Tulipa 'Sensual Touch' is an exceptional double-fringed tulip, producing large, densely packed flowers in rich shades of apricot-orange. Each petal is finished with a finely serrated, crystal-like fringe, giving the blooms an intricate texture that sets them apart from more traditional tulips. Flowering in May at around 40cm tall, it is a superb choice for borders, containers and cutting.

This distinctive variety has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), recognising its excellent performance as a garden plant. The combination of full, almost peony-like blooms and delicately fringed edges makes 'Sensual Touch' particularly impressive when planted where the flowers can be appreciated up close.

• Flower colour: apricot-orange
• Flowering time: May
• Height: approximately 40cm
• Group: Double Fringed tulip
• Award: RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)
• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Planting time: autumn
• Suitable for: borders, containers and cut flowers

About Tulipa 'Sensual Touch'

'Sensual Touch' combines two particularly attractive tulip characteristics in a single flower. Its blooms are fully double, with layer upon layer of petals creating a rounded, peony-like shape. At the same time, every petal has a pronounced serrated fringe, producing the delicate crystalline appearance associated with fringed tulips.

The warm apricot-orange colouring develops subtle variations across the petals, ranging from deeper orange and coppery shades to softer peach tones. The fringed edges can appear slightly lighter, highlighting the complex structure of the flower and making mature blooms particularly eye-catching.

Growing Tulipa 'Sensual Touch' in the UK

Plant the bulbs during autumn, ideally between September and November. Choose a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Tulips dislike sitting in persistently wet ground, particularly during winter, so improve heavy soil with organic matter and grit where necessary.

Plant the bulbs approximately 10–12cm deep with their pointed ends facing upwards, spacing them around 10cm apart. Planting several bulbs together creates a much stronger display and allows the rich apricot colouring to make a real impact in the spring garden.

As the flowers are large and densely petalled, a reasonably sheltered position is useful. This helps protect the heavy blooms from strong winds and prolonged periods of wet spring weather.

Growing in Pots and Containers

The compact 40cm height of 'Sensual Touch' makes it particularly well suited to containers. Its detailed flowers are best appreciated at relatively close range, making pots positioned around patios, paths and entrances an excellent choice.

Use a good-quality, free-draining compost and a container with adequate drainage holes. Bulbs can be planted more closely than they would be in an open border to create a dense spring display. Water after planting to settle the compost around the bulbs, then avoid allowing the container to become permanently waterlogged.

Excellent for Cut Flowers

'Sensual Touch' also makes an unusual and impressive cut flower. Its densely packed petals give it much more substance than a typical single tulip, while the fringed edges add texture to bouquets and arrangements.

Cut the stems when the buds are well coloured but not yet fully open. Once placed in water, the flowers will continue to expand, gradually revealing their densely layered centres and elaborate fringed edges.

Planting Combinations

The warm colouring of 'Sensual Touch' works particularly well with cream, ivory and pale yellow spring flowers. For a richer planting scheme, combine it with deep purple, burgundy or near-black tulips, which provide a striking contrast against the apricot-orange blooms.

It also pairs beautifully with other double tulips, where differences in flower shape and colour can create a border with the appearance of a spring bouquet.

Planting Tips

• Plant bulbs from September to November.
• Choose a sunny, preferably sheltered position.
• Plant approximately 10–12cm deep.
• Space bulbs around 10cm apart.
• Use fertile soil with good drainage.
• Plant in groups for the strongest display.
• Water thoroughly after planting.
• Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering.

After flowering, remove faded blooms if desired but leave the foliage intact until it has turned yellow and died back naturally. The leaves continue to feed the bulb after flowering and should not be cut back while still green.

Why Grow Tulipa 'Sensual Touch'?

• Large, fully double flowers
• Rich apricot-orange colouring
• Distinctive crystal-like fringed petal edges
• Peony-like flower shape
• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Flowers during May
• Compact height of approximately 40cm
• Excellent for borders and containers
• Makes an unusual and attractive cut flower

With its combination of warm apricot-orange colouring, densely layered petals and extraordinary fringed edges, Tulipa 'Sensual Touch' is one of the more unusual late-season tulips. Whether grown in a border, displayed in a container or cut for the house, its highly detailed flowers provide an impressive finish to the spring tulip season.