Dwarf Tulip 'Little Red Riding Hood'

Overview

Tulip ‘Red Riding Hood’: Early Drama in Deep Carmine

Tulip ‘Red Riding Hood’ is an award-winning dwarf variety that brings bold colour to the garden as early as March. Its rich carmine-red petals open to reveal a dramatic dark, almost black base, creating a striking contrast that adds depth and intensity to early spring displays. Compact yet powerful in colour, this variety delivers maximum impact just as the garden begins to awaken.

Growing to a tidy 30 cm tall, ‘Red Riding Hood’ is perfectly suited to Irish gardens, where its short, sturdy stems handle early spring breezes with ease. Ideal for borders, rockeries, and patio containers, it offers a reliable and vibrant start to the tulip season.

Key Features

• Award-Winning Variety: Recognised for its strong garden performance and vibrant colouring.

• Carmine-Red Blooms with Dark Base: Rich red petals with a dramatic black centre for bold early-season impact.

• Early Spring Flowering: Blooming in March, it provides one of the first striking colour displays of the season.

• Compact & Weather-Resilient: Growing to 30 cm tall, it performs well in exposed or coastal Irish conditions.

• Perfect for Mass Planting: Plant 6 cm apart to create a dense and eye-catching display in beds or containers.

Gardener’s Tip

Plant ‘Red Riding Hood’ bulbs between September and December, 8 cm deep in well-drained soil and in a sunny position for the richest colour. As an early-flowering tulip, good drainage is especially important during wet Irish winters, so if your soil is heavy, improve drainage by incorporating grit or compost before planting.

Always wear gloves when handling bulbs and keep them away from pets, as ornamental bulbs can cause irritation and may be harmful if ingested. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally so the bulbs can store energy for another bold display the following spring.

Specifications