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.
'Tango'
With the confident flair of a painter’s brushstroke, Tulip 'Tango' reveals creamy primrose petals boldly feathered with rich crimson flames. This dwarf Greigii-type tulip has an arresting presence, each bloom of Tulip 'Tango' marked differently, giving the planting a lively, almost hand-painted effect. Opening in early spring, Tulip 'Tango' sits low to the ground, yet never goes unnoticed. Its compact stature makes it ideal for the front of borders or nestled into containers, where both flower and foliage can be admired. The leaves of Tulip 'Tango' are handsomely mottled, adding a decorative layer even before the blooms emerge, and extending its visual interest beyond flowering alone.
Exceptionally easy-going, Tulip 'Tango' thrives in sunny positions and rewards with dependable colour year after year. Planted in groups, Tulip 'Tango' creates a vivid tapestry of warm tones that pair beautifully with cool blues and purples, such as forget-me-nots or early muscari. Its shorter stems make it more resilient to spring breezes, while also lending themselves perfectly to pot displays on terraces or windowsills. Indoors, a few stems of Tulip 'Tango' bring a cheerful, artistic touch, each bloom opening to reveal its unique patterning. For those who enjoy bold detail in a compact form, Tulip 'Tango' offers both charm and character in abundance.
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 'Tango'
- Tulip group
- Greigii (14)
- Flower colour
- Cream, pink, 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
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
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.