How to Grow Shakespeare Tulip
Wikimedia Commons
Shakespeare Tulip
Tulipa 'Shakespeare'
flowerShakespeare is a dwarf Kaufmanniana tulip (water lily tulip) prized for its compact growth habit and striking red flowers with yellow-edged petals and yellow stamens. It typically grows 4-6 inches tall and blooms in early spring, making it ideal for container gardening, rock gardens, and border fronts. This cold-hardy variety is a reliable perennial bulb that returns year after year with proper care.
When should you plant Shakespeare Tulip in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Shakespeare Tulip timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Shakespeare Tulip
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Shakespeare Tulip blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Shakespeare Tulip dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler climates
Sign up free to see if Shakespeare Tulip grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Shakespeare Tulip timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy & Root Development
8-12 weeksBulbs planted in fall soil; roots develop over winter while bulb remains dormant underground
Ensure cold period of 12-16 weeks for proper vernalization. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch to protect from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Emergence & Sprouting
2-3 weeksGreen shoots appear above soil as temperatures warm in early spring; 2-3 leaves develop
Monitor for slugs and snails. Ensure adequate moisture. No fertilizer needed if bone meal was added at planting.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant produces 3-4 leaves and grows taller; buds begin to form at the tip
Continue regular watering. Remove any dead leaves. Watch for pests. Keep area weed-free.
Flowering
1-2 weeksBuds elongate and open into distinctive red flowers with yellow-edge coloring and yellow centers, typically cup-shaped that open wider in warm sun
Remove spent flowers promptly to extend bloom. Protect from strong winds. Keep soil consistently moist. No deadheading needed if blooms are healthy.
Post-Bloom Decline
4-6 weeksFlowers fade and petals drop; foliage remains green and continues photosynthesis to replenish bulb reserves
Allow foliage to remain green for 4-6 weeks after flowering. Continue watering. Do not cut leaves. Reduce watering gradually as leaves yellow naturally.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation is severe
-
and
Hand-pick at night; use copper tape barriers; apply diatomaceous earth around plants; beer traps
-
Remove infected plants immediately; control aphid populations; no cure exists; dispose of affected bulbs
-
Increase humidity; spray foliage with water; use miticide if severe
-
Remove affected flowers/leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; use fungicide if necessary
Uses
Edible Flower Petals
CulinaryTulip petals are technically edible and have been historically consumed in some cuisines. They offer a mild, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful color for garnishing salads and desserts. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdShakespeare tulips are excellent as cut flowers for indoor arrangements and bouquets. Their compact, dwarf nature makes them ideal for small vases and tabletop displays, and they last 1-2 weeks in water. [source]
Early Spring Pollinator Food
WildlifeThe flowers provide early-season nectar and pollen for emerging bees, butterflies, and other spring pollinators when few other food sources are available. [source]
Garden Design & Ornamental Display
CraftPerfect for rock gardens, borders, containers, and mass plantings due to their dwarf stature. Their distinctive coloring adds visual interest and creates natural focal points in spring garden designs. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalIn some traditional medicine systems, tulip bulbs have been used for their anti-inflammatory properties, though modern scientific evidence is limited. Historical use includes treatment of minor wounds and skin conditions. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Tulips are ornamental flowers, not harvested for food. For cut flowers: cut stems in early morning when buds are just opening, at a 45-degree angle. Cut above foliage to allow bulb energy storage. Place in cool water immediately. Tulips continue to grow after cutting and will open further in a vase. For bulb propagation: Allow flowers to fade naturally and foliage to yellow completely before digging. Bulbs can be left in ground year-round in suitable zones; lift and divide every 3-4 years if desired.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Shakespeare tulips are part of the Kaufmanniana group, also called 'Water Lily' tulips because their flowers closely resemble water lilies when they open in the sun.
- 🌱 The red and yellow coloring in 'Shakespeare' was historically associated with 'tulip breaking,' a viral effect that created striped and flamed patterns in tulips, which sparked 'Tulip Mania' in 17th-century Holland—though modern Shakespeare bulbs are virus-free and reliably colored.
- 🌱 This variety is exceptionally cold-hardy and can be left in the ground year-round in cold climates, making it a true perennial that improves with age as bulbs naturalize.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Shakespeare Tulip planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Shakespeare Tulip seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Shakespeare Tulip timeline →