Fosteriana tulip varieties

Fosteriana tulips, also sold as Emperor tulips, are Tulipa fosteriana with the cultivars and hybrids that resemble it. The tulip classification quoted by Van Engelen describes them as early flowering, with very broad leaves that are sometimes mottled or striped and large, long flowers on medium to long stems. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
6
Height
16–18 in (41–46 cm)
Hardiness
USDA zones 3–8
Form

6 Fosteriana

Compare all 6 side by side

All 6 fosteriana tulip varieties

A Flaming Purissima tulip flower up close on the plant Flaming Purissima White Emperor sport, ivory to white with variable rose feathering and flames. Mid spring16–18 in (41–46 cm)
A Orange Emperor tulip flower up close on the plant Orange Emperor Fosteriana tulip in carrot-orange with a pale yellow base, later than most Emperors. Early spring, Mid spring16–18 in (41–46 cm)
A Red Emperor tulip flower up close on the plant Red Emperor Heirloom Fosteriana tulip with red flowers over a yellow base, up to 7 inches across. Early spring, Mid spring16–18 in (41–46 cm)
A Sweetheart tulip flower up close on the plant Sweetheart Fosteriana tulip in lemon-yellow with broad white edges, 16 to 18 inches. Mid spring16–18 in (41–46 cm)
A White Emperor tulip flower up close on the plant White Emperor Fosteriana tulip, also called Purissima, opening milky white and maturing to pure white. Mid spring16–18 in (41–46 cm)
A Yellow Purissima tulip flower up close on the plant Yellow Purissima Canary-yellow Fosteriana tulip, a sport of White Emperor, 16 to 18 inches. Mid spring16–18 in (41–46 cm)

How to choose

  1. Check the Bloom time column. The classification places Fosteriana tulips among the early flowering groups, so they can open before most garden tulips.

  2. Compare the Height column. The classification gives the stem as medium to long.

  3. Use the Color column, where a bicolor or blend is recorded with every color the seller names.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Flaming Purissima Fosteriana 16–18 in (41–46 cm) 3–8 Mid spring Full sun (estimated)
Orange Emperor Fosteriana 16–18 in (41–46 cm) 3–8 Early spring, Mid spring Full sun, Part shade
Red Emperor Fosteriana 16–18 in (41–46 cm) 3–8 Early spring, Mid spring Full sun, Part shade
Sweetheart Fosteriana 16–18 in (41–46 cm) 3–8 Mid spring Full sun (estimated)
White Emperor Fosteriana 16–18 in (41–46 cm) 3–8 Mid spring Full sun (estimated)
Yellow Purissima Fosteriana 16–18 in (41–46 cm) 3–8 Mid spring Full sun (estimated)

Values marked like this (estimated) are estimates.

Frequently asked questions

Why are Fosteriana tulips called Emperor tulips?

Van Engelen lists the group as Fosteriana (Emperor), and growers use both names for the same tulips.

Related