Tulipa White Wow - Tulipe Groupe Double tardive

The Double Late Tulip 'White Wow' is a remarkable variety reminiscent of peonies with its tightly clustered petals, prized for its compact, cone-shaped pure white flowers edged with green-tinted petals. Its low-growing habit, with sturdy stems reaching 25 cm at maturity, makes it an ideal candidate for container cultivation or the front of flower beds. It prefers sunny or lightly shaded positions and rich, well-drained soil. Its late flowering, typically in May, elegantly extends the tulip season, provided excess moisture is avoided to prevent rot in its compact bulbs.

The Double Late Tulip 'White Wow' belongs to the Liliaceae family and is classified in the Double Late Group. A recent horticultural cultivar, this type of tulip descends from wild species native to Southern Europe and Central Asia, with Tulipa gesneriana serving as the foundation for various hybridizations aimed at producing double blooms in late spring. Its habit is compact, reaching around 25 cm in open ground, with robust yet short stems perfectly suited to pots or the front of borders. Growth is rapid in spring: within weeks of autumn planting, the plant reaches its full size. Unlike natural species, 'White Wow' does not produce visible offsets, though bulblets may appear after several growing seasons. The flowers are tightly cone-shaped, composed of a core of pure white petals surrounded by an outer ring tinged with green, measuring approximately 7–9 cm in diameter. They bloom late, from late April to early May. The foliage is deciduous, consisting of 4 to 6 broad, lanceolate, medium-green leaves measuring 12–18 cm, which die back after flowering. The stems are fleshy and sturdy. The root system is typical of tulips: a globose bulb of 5–6 cm, with concentric scales and initially taprooted then fasciculate roots during growth.

Planted in rhythmic clusters at the front of a spring border or grouped in containers on a terrace, the 'White Wow' tulip exudes elegance with an almost Japanese restraint. Its immaculate white blooms, accentuated with green, harmonise beautifully with the soft foliage of lady’s mantle, the pastel hues of double daffodils, or the delicate inflorescences of forget-me-nots. To create a scene of subtle refinement, it pairs wonderfully with the similarly accented 'Spring Green' tulip, the creamy pink sophistication of 'Danceline', or the 'Exotic Emperor' tulip for a textured interplay of whites. When cut, the unique blooms make striking bouquets.