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Key characteristics

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

Bulbs

Tulipa 'Exotic Emperor'

Exotic Emperor Fosteriana Tulip

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'.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Early spring

Find this plant

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.