Tulipa 'Lemon Shoot' is an eye-catching double-fringed tulip producing large, densely packed lemon-yellow flowers, each petal finished with a finely ruffled, almost crystalline edge.
Flowering from April into May and reaching around 30–50cm tall, this unusual variety combines the fullness of a double tulip with the intricate detailing of a fringed variety. It makes a superb addition to spring borders and patio containers and is equally impressive as a cut flower.
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Height: 30–50cm
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Spread: 10–15cm
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Flower colour: lemon yellow
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Flowering time: April–May
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Flower type: double, fringed
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Position: full sun
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Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
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Suitable for: borders, containers and cutting
About Tulipa 'Lemon Shoot'
Tulipa 'Lemon Shoot' is a particularly distinctive tulip, combining two highly decorative flower characteristics in a single variety. Its blooms are large and double, with layer upon layer of petals creating a substantial, almost paeony-like flower.
What really sets 'Lemon Shoot' apart is the pronounced fringe running around the edge of the petals. Rather than having smooth margins, each petal is finished with masses of tiny projections, creating a finely feathered or frosted appearance.
The flowers are a fresh lemon-yellow, with subtle creamy and greenish tones sometimes visible on the outer petals as the buds develop. As the flowers open, the warmer yellow centre becomes increasingly prominent and the intricate fringed edges become even more noticeable.
Against the rich green foliage, these unusual yellow blooms create a bright and cheerful display that works particularly well during the middle and later stages of the tulip season.
Unusual Double Fringed Flowers
Fringed tulips are prized for the finely cut edges of their petals, which can look almost as though the flowers have been decorated with tiny ice crystals. 'Lemon Shoot' takes this characteristic a step further by combining the fringe with a fully double flower.
The result is a much more textured bloom than a conventional tulip. Viewed from a distance, the flowers provide a strong splash of yellow, while at close range the intricate petal edges give them plenty of additional detail.
Flowering from April into May, 'Lemon Shoot' is useful for maintaining colour as earlier spring bulbs begin to fade.
Benefits for UK Wildlife
'Lemon Shoot' is primarily an ornamental tulip. Because the flowers are densely double, pollinating insects may find it more difficult to reach the centre than they would with a simple, single-flowered tulip.
For a more wildlife-friendly spring display, combine it with accessible, pollen and nectar-rich flowers such as muscari, alliums and single-flowered spring bulbs.
Where to Grow Tulipa 'Lemon Shoot'
- Spring flower borders
- Patio pots and containers
- Cottage gardens
- Formal bedding displays
- Cut flower gardens
- Mixed bulb planting schemes
The fresh yellow colouring makes 'Lemon Shoot' particularly easy to incorporate into spring planting. Combine it with white and cream tulips for a light, elegant display, or contrast it with deep purple, burgundy or almost-black varieties for something much bolder.
It also looks excellent planted amongst blue and purple spring flowers, where the complementary colours help the lemon-yellow blooms stand out.
Planting Tips
- Plant the bulbs in autumn, ideally during October and November.
- Choose a sunny position with fertile, free-draining soil.
- Plant approximately 10–15cm deep.
- Space bulbs around 10cm apart.
- Plant in groups for the strongest display.
- Avoid soil that remains waterlogged during winter.
Because the double flowers are relatively large and heavy, a sheltered position can help protect them from strong winds and prolonged heavy rain.
Once flowering has finished, deadhead the spent blooms but leave the foliage intact until it has yellowed naturally. This allows the bulb to replenish its energy reserves.
Excellent for Containers
Tulipa 'Lemon Shoot' is an excellent choice for patio pots and containers. Its moderate height and substantial flowers provide plenty of impact without requiring a large growing space.
Plant the bulbs fairly densely for a generous display, either on their own or as part of a layered bulb container. Their April to May flowering period can help continue the display after earlier narcissi and tulips have finished.
Superb as a Cut Flower
The unusual combination of double flowers, lemon colouring and intricately fringed petals makes 'Lemon Shoot' particularly attractive for cutting. The flowers have enough detail to work as a focal point in a vase while also combining beautifully with other spring flowers.
Cut stems once the buds are well developed and showing plenty of colour. They will continue to open indoors, revealing the densely packed and finely fringed petals.
Why Grow Tulipa 'Lemon Shoot'
- Large lemon-yellow flowers
- Unusual fully double blooms
- Finely fringed, ruffled petal edges
- Flowers from April into May
- Grows around 30–50cm tall
- Excellent for pots and borders
- Makes an unusual cut flower
- Adds both colour and texture to spring displays
With its large double blooms and extraordinary fringed petals, Tulipa 'Lemon Shoot' offers much more than simple spring colour. The fresh lemon-yellow flowers are packed with texture and detail, making this an excellent choice for prominent containers, garden borders and impressive spring flower arrangements.