Northwest Blooms · Bulbs
Tulipa 'Allison Bradley'
Allison Bradley Double Early Tulip
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Height
- 18 to 24 in
- Width
- 4 to 6 in
- Flower color
- Deep rosy pink to rich rose-red with a satiny sheen
- Foliage color
- Blue-green to gray-green, strap-shaped leaves
- Bloom time
- Early spring
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low, remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation, allow foliage to yellow naturally before removal
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- Occasional visits from bees
About this plant
Tulipa 'Allison Bradley' is a double early tulip with peony-style, fully packed blooms in deep plum to reddish purple tones that read almost velvety in cool spring light. Flowers open wide with many layered petals, sometimes showing darker shading toward the petal bases, and hold their form well through changing weather. The color pairs naturally with white and soft pastel spring bulbs and is valued for cut arrangements.
Blooming in early to mid-spring, often beginning in April, it was raised from a deliberate cross of the tulips 'Monte Carlo' and 'Negrita'. Strong stems carry blooms that sit neatly above the foliage, creating a rich accent in beds, borders, and containers where early-season color is welcome.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Containers · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Russian sage · Sedums · Peonies · Daffodils · Creeping phlox · Yarrow
Design tip
Spring bloom is its headline moment, and it reads best in a group rather than as a single plant. Plant in generous groups rather than single spots, and set them among perennials whose new growth covers the fading foliage.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Roozengaarde.
