Akebono is a stunning double-flowered tulip from Japan, named after the famous sumo wrestler for its reputation as a tough, vigorous grower. Its buttery yellow petals are fully double and often edged with coral or raspberry blush, creating blooms that evoke the soft colors of daybreak. The flowers are sweetly scented and reach 22 inches tall on long, sturdy stems, thriving in hardiness zones 3 to 4 with full sun exposure. This is a heirloom variety classified as a Giant Darwin Hybrid type, offering long-lasting blooms that excel as cut flowers.
Partial Shade
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4-4
22in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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The buttery yellow, fully double petals of Akebono create a blousy, romantic bloom reminiscent of dawn's first light, with occasional coral or raspberry edges that add depth and character. Named for its vigor and resilience, this Japanese variety is as tough as it is beautiful, reaching 22 inches tall with sweetly scented flowers that last remarkably long. The petals are often marked with a subtle faint red picotee, giving each bloom a hand-painted quality that varies slightly from flower to flower.
Akebono is primarily grown as a cut flower, prized for its long stems, fully double petals, and exceptional vase life. The sweetly scented blooms are stunning in fresh arrangements and reach their full ornamental potential when displayed in cool environments. As an ornamental garden flower, it provides striking spring color with its golden yellow, fully double blooms that create a romantic, layered effect in borders and beds.
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Plant Akebono bulbs directly outdoors in fall, timing the planting for late September through November depending on your region. Soil should be cooled to 55°F (13°C) or cooler, with nighttime temperatures dropping consistently to 40, 50°F (4, 10°C). Plant 5 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes to allow adequate time for root development. Space bulbs about 1 inch apart in well-drained soil in a full-sun location.
Cut Akebono tulips when the buds show color and are just beginning to open, selecting stems with long, sturdy growth. Hold the bloom just above the base of the stem and cut cleanly with a sharp knife. Remove the lower leaves that would sit below the waterline in your vase. These flowers will continue to open over several days in a cool room, extending their ornamental life significantly.
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“Akebono takes its name from the famous sumo wrestler Akebono, a legendary figure in Japanese sport and culture. The variety was honored with this name specifically for its reputation as a tough, vigorous tulip, reflecting the strength and presence associated with the sport's champion. This Darwin Hybrid type was developed in Japan and has since become prized by gardeners worldwide for its resilience and beauty, embodying both horticultural excellence and cultural respect.”