Northwest Blooms · Bulbs
Tulipa 'Exotic Emperor'
Exotic Emperor Fosteriana Tulip
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Height
- 14 to 18 in
- Width
- 4 to 6 in
- Flower color
- Creamy white with green feathering and subtle green flames on the petals
- 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 'Exotic Emperor' is an early to mid-spring tulip with lush, semi-double to double, peony-like blossoms. Creamy ivory petals open with soft green feathering and streaks on the outer petals, then widen to reveal a warm yellow center. Broad, gray-green foliage frames the flowers and keeps the plant looking fresh as buds expand and open.
Selected in the Netherlands as a double sport from the white Emperor tulip often sold as 'Purissima' or 'White Emperor', it is also marketed under the name 'White Valley'. Flowers typically appear in early to mid-spring, making it a reliable choice for the first major wave of tulip bloom.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Containers · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Sedums · Peonies · Daffodils · Creeping phlox · Yarrow · Ornamental grasses
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.
