Tulipa 'Goudstuk' is a distinctive dwarf tulip combining brilliant golden-yellow flowers with bold red markings and attractive mottled foliage.

Growing to just 20cm tall and flowering in March, 'Goudstuk' is ideal for bringing strong early colour to the front of borders, rockeries and containers. Its compact growth and decorative leaves ensure there is plenty to enjoy even before the flowers fully open.

• Height: about 20cm
• Spread: 10–15cm
• Flower colour: golden yellow with bold red markings
• Flowering time: March
• Foliage: broad green leaves with decorative mottling
• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil

About Tulipa 'Goudstuk'

Tulipa 'Goudstuk' is an eye-catching early-flowering tulip with plenty of character packed into a compact plant. Its relatively short stems carry substantial flowers that create a bold splash of colour close to ground level.

The blooms are predominantly a rich golden yellow, strongly marked with contrasting red on the outside of the petals. When the flowers are closed or only partially open, the red markings are especially prominent, creating dramatic vertical stripes against the yellow margins.

As the flowers open in sunshine, much more of the brilliant yellow interior is revealed. This gives 'Goudstuk' a changing appearance through the day, with tightly closed flowers looking strongly red and yellow before opening into much brighter golden blooms.

The foliage provides another point of interest. Broad green leaves display attractive mottling and markings, helping 'Goudstuk' stand out from many ordinary garden tulips even before flowering begins.

Benefits for UK Wildlife

The open, single flowers of Tulipa 'Goudstuk' may be visited by early-active pollinating insects during suitable weather.

• Early March flowers can add variety to spring planting
• Open flowers are more accessible than densely double tulips
• Combines well with other early pollinator-friendly bulbs

For a more wildlife-friendly spring display, combine 'Goudstuk' with crocuses, muscari and other early flowers that provide accessible sources of pollen and nectar.

Where to Grow Tulipa 'Goudstuk'

• Rockeries and gravel gardens
• Fronts of borders
• Early spring bedding displays
• Patio pots and containers
• Raised beds
• Sunny alpine-style planting schemes

Its compact 20cm height makes 'Goudstuk' particularly useful in places where taller tulips would be overwhelming. It looks excellent planted towards the front of a border or grouped amongst low-growing spring plants in a rockery.

The strong red and yellow colouring pairs naturally with other warm shades, while blue and purple crocuses or muscari provide an effective contrasting combination.

Planting Tips

• Plant bulbs in autumn, ideally during October and November.
• Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil.
• Plant approximately 10–15cm deep.
• Space bulbs around 8–10cm apart.
• Plant several bulbs together for a stronger display.
• Avoid areas that remain waterlogged during winter.

Its naturally short stature means 'Goudstuk' is less vulnerable to wind than tall tulips, making it particularly useful for exposed beds and containers.

After flowering, remove faded blooms but allow the attractive foliage to remain until it has yellowed and died back naturally.

Excellent for Pots and Rockeries

'Goudstuk' is particularly well suited to container growing. Its compact proportions allow the flowers to sit neatly above the foliage, while the decorative leaves provide additional interest at close range.

It is equally effective in rockeries, where its short growth and early flowers can be combined with low-growing spring bulbs and alpines without dominating the planting.

Why Grow Tulipa 'Goudstuk'

• Brilliant golden-yellow flowers
• Bold contrasting red markings
• Attractive mottled foliage
• Early flowering during March
• Compact height of around 20cm
• Ideal for rockeries and the front of borders
• Excellent for pots and early bedding displays

If you want an early tulip that offers more than flowers alone, Tulipa 'Goudstuk' is an excellent choice. Its striking red and golden-yellow blooms appear above beautifully mottled foliage, while its compact 20cm growth makes it perfect for rockeries, containers and colourful early-spring displays.