Tulips: types, care and the meaning of each colour

The tulip is one of the best-loved flowers of the cold season: elegant, cheerful and with a colour range few flowers can match. A symbol of true love, it looks just as good in a simple bouquet as in a more elaborate arrangement.

In this guide we go over the prettiest types of tulips, the meaning of each colour and the care that makes them last longer at home. And when you want to give them, we tell you what they pair with best.

Contents

1. The most popular types of tulips
2. The meaning of tulips by colour
3. How to care for tulips so they last longer
4. When to give tulips and what to pair them with
5. Tulips delivered in Mallorca
6. Frequently asked questions

The most popular types of tulips

There are hundreds of varieties, but these are the ones you'll see and order most:

• Single tulip: the classic, a clean cup in a single colour. The most versatile for any bouquet.
• Double (peony) tulip: many petals and a full look, much like a peony. Very elegant.
• Parrot tulip: ruffled, streaked petals; striking and very decorative.
• Lily-flowered tulip: pointed petals that open like a star; sleek and modern.
• Fringed tulip: frosted, fringed edges that add texture.
• Botanical tulip: smaller and wilder, ideal in natural arrangements.

If you want a ready-made bouquet, take a look at our tulip bouquets or, for the table and gifts, our tulip arrangements.

The meaning of tulips by colour

Like roses, tulips change their message with colour. Choosing the right shade is the difference between a correct gift and one that moves someone:

• Red: true love and passion. The most romantic, perfect for a partner.
• Yellow: joy and good cheer; today linked to sunshine and friendship.
• White: purity, respect and forgiveness. Ideal for apologies and calm moments.
• Pink: affection and sincere care, without the intensity of red. A great fit for a mother or a friend.
• Purple/lilac: elegance and a touch of royalty; sophisticated.
• Orange: enthusiasm, energy and warmth.

Unsure about the occasion? We help you in our guide on what flowers to give for each occasion.

How to care for tulips so they last longer

Tulips are rewarding, but they have their quirks. With this care they stay fresh for over a week:

• Cold, clean water: unlike other flowers, tulips prefer cold water. Change it every one or two days.
• Cut the stems at an angle: a couple of centimetres when you get them, so they drink better.
• Tall, straight vase: the stems keep growing in the vase and tend to bend towards the light; a tall one holds them up.
• Away from fruit and heat: ethylene from ripe fruit wilts them sooner; avoid direct sun and radiators too.
• No leaves in the water: remove them so the water doesn't rot.

An extra tip: to make them open more slowly, keep them somewhere cool. Want any flower to last as long as possible? You'll find more ideas in our 10 tips to make your flowers last longer.

When to give tulips and what to pair them with

The tulip is a cold-season flower (from late winter to spring), which makes it the star gift for dates like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day or an early-year birthday.

It pairs beautifully:

• With roses: a bouquet mixing roses and tulips is romantic and full.
• With seasonal flowers: in a mixed bouquet they add colour and line.
• On their own, in one colour: a single-colour tulip bouquet is one of the most elegant, modern gifts.

For Valentine's Day we guide you in the perfect-bouquet guide; and for May, in the Mother's Day post.

Tulips delivered in Mallorca

At Floristería Mallorca we work with fresh tulips in season and make both tulip bouquets and arrangements by hand, with the option to add a card.

We deliver to homes in Palma and across the island. As it's a seasonal flower, we recommend booking ahead to secure colour and availability.

📍 Carrer del Cardenal Rossell, 73, Palma · service across all of Mallorca
📞 +34 871 777 080 · WhatsApp +34 658 838 056

Frequently asked questions