• Fosteriana
  • Perennial
  • Zones 3–8
  • White
  • Single

White Emperor

Purissima

Perennial fosteriana tulip in white and yellow, blooming in mid spring. Fosteriana tulip opening milky white with pale yellow flushes and maturing to pure white. USDA zones 3–8.

Single source · Values marked like this (estimated) are estimates.

Buy from $0.79

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A White Emperor tulip flower up close on the plant
A White Emperor tulip flower up close on the plant

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White Emperor tulip plants in bloom in a garden
White Emperor tulip plants in bloom in a garden

At a glance

Flower form
Fosteriana Single
Colors
  • White
  • Yellow
Blend
Blooms
Mid spring
Vase life
Not grown for cutting
Height
16–18 in (41–46 cm)
Sunlight
Full sun (estimated)
Hardiness
USDA zones 3–8 Perennial
Planted as
Bulb
Botanical name
Tulipa hybrid

In the garden

  • Frequently severely damaged by deer (Rutgers rating)

Find your frost dates and zone by ZIP code

Origin

Fosteriana hybrid from van Tubergen in the 1940s, also sold as Purissima; several sports, including Yellow Purissima and Flaming Purissima, derive from it.

Bred by van Tubergen, 1943

Sources

Where to buy

Prices rechecked daily
  • DutchGrownBulbs

    1000

    Check availability

    $0.79Checked Oct 14, 2026
  • John ScheepersBulbs

    10 bulbs

    In stock

    $10.75Checked Oct 14, 2026

We may earn a commission when you buy through these links. Your price stays the same. Prices checked Oct 14, 2026.

All photos

  • A White Emperor tulip flower up close on the plant
    A White Emperor tulip flower up close on the plant
  • White Emperor tulip plants in bloom in a garden
    White Emperor tulip plants in bloom in a garden

Questions

Is White Emperor hardy in my zone?

White Emperor survives winter in the ground in USDA zones 3 to 8. In colder zones treat it as an annual or lift it before the ground freezes.

Does White Emperor need full sun?

White Emperor grows in full sun.

When does White Emperor bloom?

White Emperor blooms in mid spring.

Is White Emperor good for cutting?

Our sources don't list White Emperor as a cut flower or give a vase life for it.

See also

See all →
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. FosterianaEarly springMedium height
A Flaming Purissima tulip flower up close on the plant Flaming Purissima White Emperor sport, ivory to white with variable rose feathering and flames. FosterianaMid springMedium height
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. FosterianaEarly springMedium height
A Sweetheart tulip flower up close on the plant Sweetheart Fosteriana tulip in lemon-yellow with broad white edges, 16 to 18 inches. FosterianaMid springMedium height

Same colors

See all →
A Cummins tulip flower up close on the plant Cummins Fringed tulip with lavender-blue goblet blooms and white fringed petal edges. FringedLate springMedium height
A Estella Rijnveld tulip flower up close on the plant Estella Rijnveld Heirloom Parrot tulip with twisted red and white flamed petals on 18-20 inch stems. ParrotMid springMedium height
A Exotic Emperor tulip flower up close on the plant Exotic Emperor Double Early sport of White Emperor, ivory-white with green striations, 12-20 inches. Double earlyEarly springMedium height
A Fancy Frills tulip flower up close on the plant Fancy Frills Fringed tulip with rose-pink petals, ivory-white base and pale crystalline fringe. FringedMid springMedium height

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