Plant tulip bulbs from October to mid-December, once the weather has cooled. Until then, store them somewhere cool, dry and safely away from mice and squirrels.
-20%
New
Tulip
'Exotic Bird'
Tulip 'Exotic Bird' is one of those varieties that seems to have landed rather than bloomed. Its petals open with an airy, wing-like poise, each one held slightly apart to create the impression of a bright bird in mid-flutter. The colour is not a flat scarlet, but a glowing coral-red, vivid enough to enliven a border without feeling heavy. At the centre, a dark, almost mahogany eye adds depth and drama, while fine yellow flashes near the base bring a little extra spark. Tulip 'Exotic Bird' has real character, but not the sort that shouts across the garden unnecessarily.
Plant Tulip 'Exotic Bird' where its unusual silhouette can be admired up close, perhaps in containers, along a path, or near the front of a sunny spring border. The separated petals give Tulip 'Exotic Bird' a light, animated quality that pairs beautifully with fresh green foliage, soft creams, deep purples, or other warm-toned tulips. It is a particularly good choice for gardeners who like their spring bulbs with a hint of artistry and a small dash of mischief. Elegant, exotic and pleasingly unexpected, Tulip 'Exotic Bird' brings movement, warmth and personality to the garden just when it is most welcome.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Choose full sun or partial shade. Improve heavy soil with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost with good drainage.
Plant bulbs pointed side upwards, 15–20cm deep and around 10cm apart. You can leave a little more space between them in borders.
Water once after planting to settle the soil. Border-grown tulips rarely need further watering, but containers should be kept lightly moist and never waterlogged.
Remove faded flowers, then allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally. This helps the bulbs store energy for the following year.
- Botanical name
- Tulipa 'Exotic Bird'
- Tulip group
- Darwin hybrid (4)
- Flower colour
- Red, coral
- Bulb size
- 12/+
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 10-20cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 60 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
-
Skin/eyes irritant
Harmful if eaten - Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Perfect for pots
Fragrant
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
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Expert care from
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Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
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Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
