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.
'Red Madonna'
Tulip 'Red Madonna' is a striking presence in the spring garden, offering a bold yet refined display of rich red blooms that feel both classic and quietly dramatic. Each flower of Tulip 'Red Madonna' is generously sized, its velvety petals marked with intriguing blue-black feathering that draws the eye closer. The delicately frilled edges lend an almost couture-like finish, softening the intensity of the colour with a touch of movement and texture. Flowering through April into May, Tulip 'Red Madonna' arrives just as the season gathers confidence, pairing beautifully with softer tones or standing alone as a confident focal point.
Reaching up to 50cm in height, Tulip 'Red Madonna' carries its blooms on sturdy stems above fresh, pale green foliage, creating a pleasing contrast that enhances the depth of its colouring. Despite its ornate appearance, Tulip 'Red Madonna' is reliably robust, performing well in borders, containers and cutting gardens alike. Indoors, a few stems of Tulip 'Red Madonna' bring an almost theatrical elegance to arrangements, where the intricate petal detail can be fully appreciated. Whether woven through a mixed planting or given space to shine, Tulip 'Red Madonna' offers a refined take on red, balancing richness with an artful, feathered flourish.
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 'Red Madonna'
- Tulip group
- Parrot (10)
- Flower colour
- Red
- Bulb size
- 12/+
- Established height
- 30-50cm
- 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
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
-
Harmful if eaten
Skin/eyes irritant - Years to establish
- 1st year
Expert care from
choice to delivery
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.