Ice Cream Tulip is a striking double late tulip that lives up to its whimsical name with creamy white, peony-like petals layered around bright pink outer edges, creating a delightful two-tone effect reminiscent of a scoop of vanilla and strawberry ice cream. Growing 12-16 inches tall, this ornamental bulb thrives in hardiness zones 3-8 and blooms reliably in late spring, making it a conversation-worthy addition to garden borders, containers, and floral arrangements. Sold as sets of five bulbs, it's a heirloom variety bred for both visual impact and garden performance.
Full Sun
Low
3-8
16in H x ?in W
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Low
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The peony-like double flowers with their creamy white centers surrounded by vibrant pink outer petals create a luxurious, layered appearance unlike single-flowered tulips. At 12-16 inches tall, these tulips have just enough stature to stand out in borders without towering over nearby plantings. Their ornamental appeal extends beyond the garden, as they're exceptional in fresh arrangements where their unusual form becomes a focal point that draws admiration.
Ice Cream Tulips are grown primarily as ornamental flowers for spring garden displays and cut flower arrangements. Their distinctive double form and striking color combination make them particularly valued in mixed borders, container gardens, and as specimen plantings where their visual presence can be fully appreciated. The bulbs are typically sold in sets for coordinated planting to create dramatic spring color impact.
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Plant bulbs outdoors in fall, 6-8 weeks before the first frost date, when soil temperatures have cooled to 60°F or below. Space bulbs 16 inches apart and position them pointed end up at a depth three times their height. They require a cold period over winter to bloom reliably in spring.
Remove spent flower heads once blooms fade to redirect energy to bulb development, but leave the foliage intact. Allow leaves to yellow and die back naturally before cutting or removing them, typically 4-6 weeks after flowering ends. This allows the bulb to store nutrients for the following season's blooms.
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