Tulipa 'Le Lavandou' is an unusual Double Late Tulip with large, peony-like flowers in rich mango-orange, beautifully contrasted by pale green outer petals.
Flowering in May and reaching around 35cm tall, 'Le Lavandou' combines warm colour with an intriguing green-flushed exterior. Its densely packed petals create substantial, rounded blooms that look superb in borders, containers and cut flower arrangements.
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Height: around 35cm
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Spread: 10–15cm
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Flower colour: mango-orange with pale green outer petals
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Flowering time: May
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Flower type: double, peony-flowered
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Group: Double Late Tulip
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Position: full sun
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Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
About Tulipa 'Le Lavandou'
Tulipa 'Le Lavandou' is a distinctive Double Late Tulip grown for its large, densely petalled flowers and unusual combination of warm orange and fresh green. The blooms open in shades of mango and apricot-orange, while the outermost petals are prominently washed with pale green.
This contrasting layer of green is particularly noticeable while the flowers are developing. As each bud opens, more of the warm orange interior is revealed, producing a flower that changes considerably during its development.
Fully open blooms are substantial and richly layered, resembling small paeonies rather than conventional single tulips. Their numerous overlapping petals give them a full, rounded appearance and make 'Le Lavandou' an excellent variety for adding texture as well as colour to late-spring displays.
Double Late Paeony-Flowered Tulip
Double Late Tulips are sometimes known as paeony-flowered tulips because of their large, multi-petalled blooms. They flower towards the end of the main tulip season and generally produce larger, fuller flowers than their Double Early counterparts.
'Le Lavandou' is particularly interesting within this group because of its green outer petals. These provide a striking transition between the green stems and foliage below and the mango-orange centre of each flower.
Flowering during May, it is a useful choice for extending a tulip display into late spring.
Benefits for UK Wildlife
Like most highly double tulips, 'Le Lavandou' is primarily grown for ornamental value. Its densely packed petals make the centre of the flower less accessible to pollinating insects than a simple, single-flowered tulip.
For a more wildlife-friendly spring garden, combine it with open-flowered bulbs and perennials that provide easier access to pollen and nectar.
Where to Grow Tulipa 'Le Lavandou'
- Spring borders
- Cottage gardens
- Patio pots and containers
- Formal bedding schemes
- Cut flower gardens
- Mixed late-spring bulb displays
At around 35cm tall, 'Le Lavandou' is compact enough for containers while still having sufficient presence for planting through borders. Grow several bulbs together to create a generous block of warm mango-orange colour.
The unusual colouring is easy to combine with other spring plants. Try pairing it with deep purple or burgundy tulips for dramatic contrast, or use cream, apricot and soft pink varieties for a gentler display.
Planting Tips
- Plant bulbs during autumn, ideally from October to November.
- Choose a sunny position with good drainage.
- Plant approximately 10–15cm deep.
- Space bulbs around 10cm apart.
- Plant in groups for the most impressive display.
- Avoid soil that remains waterlogged during winter.
Double Late Tulips have particularly large flowers, which can become heavy following prolonged rain. A reasonably sheltered position will help keep the blooms looking their best.
Once flowering has finished, remove the spent blooms but leave the foliage in place until it has naturally turned yellow. This gives the bulbs time to store energy for future growth.
Excellent for Cut Flowers
The large, peony-like blooms of Tulipa 'Le Lavandou' make excellent cut flowers. Its combination of mango-orange and green is especially useful for creating arrangements with a fresh, natural appearance.
Cut stems when the buds are well coloured but not yet completely open. The flowers will continue to develop indoors, gradually revealing their densely layered centres.
Why Grow Tulipa 'Le Lavandou'
- Rich mango-orange flowers
- Unusual pale green outer petals
- Large, fully double blooms
- Beautiful peony-like flower shape
- Flowers during May
- Compact height of around 35cm
- Excellent for pots, borders and cutting
- Adds colour late in the tulip season
Tulipa 'Le Lavandou' is a superb choice if you are looking for something a little different from the traditional tulip. Its combination of pale green outer petals and densely packed mango-orange blooms gives it a distinctive appearance, while its spectacular peony-like flowers bring plenty of colour and texture to the May garden.
