Tulipa 'Okura' is a vibrant Triumph tulip producing bold red-orange flowers with fiery yellow edging. The warm colours blend beautifully across each petal, creating glowing blooms that seem to become even richer in bright spring sunshine. Growing to around 45cm tall, it is an excellent choice for colourful borders, containers and cut-flower displays.

Flowering from late April into May, 'Okura' sits perfectly between the early and late tulip seasons. Its sturdy stems and classic cup-shaped flowers make it a reliable garden performer, particularly when planted generously in groups for a strong splash of warm spring colour.

• Flower colour: red-orange with fiery yellow edges
• Flowering time: late April to May
• Height: approximately 45cm
• Group: Triumph tulip
• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Suitable for: borders, containers and cut flowers

About Tulipa 'Okura'

'Okura' has the neat, substantial flowers associated with Triumph tulips. Each bloom is carried upright on a strong stem, with overlapping petals forming a traditional tulip shape that gradually opens as the flower matures.

The colouring is particularly attractive. Warm red and orange dominate the petals, while flashes of golden yellow appear around the edges and towards the base. Rather than forming sharply defined bands of colour, the different shades merge together to create a glowing, flame-like effect.

Triumph tulips are often described as mid-season varieties because their flowering period bridges the gap between earlier and later tulips. Their combination of strong stems, attractive flowers and useful medium height makes them one of the most versatile groups for garden planting.

Growing Tulipa 'Okura' in the UK

Plant 'Okura' bulbs during autumn in a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Tulips prefer ground that does not remain waterlogged during winter, so improve heavy soils with grit and organic matter where necessary.

Planting in groups creates the best display. Five to seven bulbs will make an attractive cluster, while larger groups of ten or more produce an impressive block of colour. At approximately 45cm tall, 'Okura' works particularly well towards the front or middle of a spring border.

Perfect for Pots and Containers

'Okura' is also well suited to container growing. Its medium height provides plenty of impact without becoming too tall for most patio pots, and the vivid colouring looks particularly effective when several bulbs are planted closely together.

Choose a container with good drainage holes and use a free-draining compost. 'Okura' can also form the main feature of a layered bulb container, with smaller spring bulbs planted above the tulips to provide an earlier display.

Planting Combinations

The fiery colouring of 'Okura' makes it perfect for warm planting schemes. Combine it with golden-yellow, orange and rich red tulips for an intense display, or introduce deep burgundy varieties to add contrast and depth.

For something very different, pair the red-orange flowers with blue or purple spring plants. Muscari, forget-me-nots and other cool-coloured flowers provide an effective contrast beneath the warm tulip blooms. Fresh green foliage also provides a simple backdrop that allows the fiery colours to take centre stage.

Benefits for UK Wildlife

The single flowers of 'Okura' have a relatively simple structure, making the centre of the flower more accessible to visiting insects than densely double varieties. Tulips are best grown as part of a varied spring planting rather than relied upon as a major source of nectar and pollen.

Combining tulips with crocuses, muscari, alliums and other pollinator-friendly spring flowers can help provide a broader selection of food for insects throughout the season.

Excellent as a Cut Flower

The strong stems and colourful blooms of Triumph tulips make them particularly useful for cutting. 'Okura' brings rich shades of orange, red and yellow to spring arrangements and looks equally attractive displayed on its own or mixed with contrasting flowers.

Cut the stems when the buds are well developed and showing their full colour but have not yet completely opened. Place them promptly into fresh water and keep the vase away from strong heat and direct sunlight.

Planting Tips

• Plant bulbs during autumn, ideally from October onwards.
• Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil.
• Plant approximately 10–15cm deep.
• Space bulbs around 10cm apart.
• Plant in groups for a stronger display.
• Ensure containers have good drainage.
• Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering.

Once flowering has finished, faded blooms can be removed, but leave the foliage intact until it has naturally yellowed and died back. During this period, the leaves continue to photosynthesise and replenish the bulb's energy reserves.

Why Grow Tulipa 'Okura'?

• Vibrant red-orange flowers with yellow highlights
• Reliable mid-season Triumph tulip
• Flowers from late April into May
• Useful height of approximately 45cm
• Strong stems suitable for exposed garden displays
• Excellent for borders and containers
• Superb variety for cutting

With its glowing combination of red, orange and fiery yellow, Tulipa 'Okura' is an excellent choice for bringing warmth and energy to the late-spring garden. Its strong stems, useful 45cm height and reliable Triumph habit make it equally at home in borders, containers and the cutting garden.