‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ Tulip (Tulipa humilis ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’)

Name: ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ Tulip (Tulipa humilis ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’)
Brand: Van Noort
SKU: VAN-104-138-01
Price: 10.49 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Sale Sold out

Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ Tulip: small white tulips opening around blue-violet centres.

Species tulip bulb Liliaceae

Van Noort

Common namePure white with a steel-blue centre Species tulip

FamilyLiliaceae

GenusTulipa

Bulb typeSpecies tulip bulb

Botanical nameTulipa

Quantity per pack3 bulbs

‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ Tulip (Tulipa humilis ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’) brings a strong spring presence with star-shaped pure-white flowers that reveal a steel-blue centre. This package contains 3 size 5/6 bulbs ready for planting. Upright stems reach approximately 10 cm (4 in) and bloom in early spring. This Species tulip suits beds, borders, containers, and bouquets. Hardy in Zones 3 to 10, it prefers full sun or light partial shade and fertile, loose, freely draining soil. Grouping all 3 bulbs creates a concentrated display that remains easy to appreciate from a path, patio, or window. Green foliage provides a balanced base below the flowers.

Plant bulbs in fall after soil has cooled but while it remains workable. Set them pointed end up, 10 cm (4 in) deep and 8 cm (3 in) apart. Loosen the entire planting area, incorporate modest mature compost if soil is poor, then water after planting. In spring, maintain even moisture without saturating the bulb zone. A bright position protected from strong wind helps stems remain upright. Avoid fresh manure and nitrogen-rich fertilizer because they encourage soft foliage and fewer flowers. In heavy clay, improve drainage across the bed or use a raised planting area instead of placing loose material beneath individual bulbs.

After flowering, remove faded blooms before seeds develop, but leave every leaf until it yellows naturally. Foliage replenishes bulb reserves for the following season. Reduce watering during summer dormancy. Like many highly bred tulips, Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata is a short-lived perennial; renew the planting when a consistently full display matters. For bouquets, cut stems when buds are well coloured and just beginning to open, then place them promptly in clean water. Keep bulbs and every plant part away from children and pets because tulips are toxic when eaten. Sap may also irritate sensitive skin, so gloves are useful during planting, cutting, and seasonal cleanup.

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Planting guide

Planting & establishment

Planting depth

10 cm (4 in)

Spacing / density

8 cm (3 in) between bulbs

Growing method

Plant ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ bulbs in fall after the soil has cooled and before it freezes. Choose full sun or light partial shade and fertile, loose, freely drained soil. Prepare the whole planting area to a depth of 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in), incorporating a modest amount of mature compost only when soil is poor. Set every bulb pointed end up, 10 cm (4 in) deep and approximately 8 cm (3 in) apart. Group the complete package for a coherent display, cover the bulbs, firm the soil gently, and water thoroughly once. In spring, provide moderate moisture when rainfall is insufficient, but never allow water to stand around the bulb zone. Shelter stems from severe wind and avoid fresh manure or nitrogen-rich fertilizer. After flowering, remove faded blooms while retaining every leaf until it yellows naturally. Reduce watering during summer dormancy and mark the location so cultivation does not damage resting bulbs. If flowering becomes sparse, lift firm bulbs after foliage has disappeared, discard soft or damaged material, and replant healthy offsets in fall. Wear gloves if your skin is sensitive to tulip sap, and keep every bulb away from children and pets.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Watering

Water deeply after fall planting to settle soil around the bulbs. In spring, check moisture before each application and water only when the surface begins to dry. Soil should remain lightly moist during active growth but never saturated. Reduce irrigation gradually after flowering, then keep the site comparatively dry during summer dormancy. For containers, empty saucers after rain and confirm that every drainage hole remains open. Avoid watering on a fixed schedule when natural rainfall is sufficient.

Soil type

This tulip prefers fertile, loose, freely drained soil. Sandy loam or a raised planting area is especially suitable. In heavy clay, improve drainage throughout the bed rather than placing loose gravel beneath individual bulbs. Avoid low spots where rain or snowmelt collects and locations irrigated heavily during summer dormancy. Neutral soil, or conditions that are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, are generally suitable. Mature compost may be added sparingly when organic matter is low.

Fertilization

At planting time, incorporate only a modest amount of mature compost when soil is poor. In early spring, a slow-release bulb fertilizer may be applied at the labelled rate. Avoid fresh manure and nitrogen-rich products because they encourage soft foliage at the expense of flowers. Stop feeding after bloom and allow the leaves to rebuild bulb reserves naturally. A soil test helps prevent unnecessary applications and excessive fertility.

Seasonal care

In early spring, remove moisture-holding debris carefully without damaging new shoots. Check drainage after snowmelt and water only when the soil begins to dry. A thin layer of mature compost may be added when soil is poor, but avoid fresh manure and nitrogen-rich feeding. During bloom, shelter stems from severe wind and cut a few well-coloured buds if a bouquet is desired. Remove faded flowers before seeds develop while leaving all foliage intact. Every leaf should yellow naturally so the bulbs can rebuild their reserves. Reduce irrigation during summer dormancy and avoid deep cultivation around the group. Mark the location before foliage disappears. In fall, confirm that soil remains loose and freely drained; add fresh bulbs if the display has become sparse. Firm offsets may be separated during dormancy and replanted promptly. In very cold locations, apply a thin mulch after the ground freezes and remove it gradually in spring. For containers, keep pots away from roof runoff and ensure drainage holes remain open throughout winter. Do not move chilled bulbs into a heated room. Keep bulbs away from children and pets, and wear gloves when handling them if your skin is sensitive to tulip sap. After heavy rain, inspect low areas for standing water and correct drainage before bulbs remain saturated. Where squirrels or deer are active, use a suitable physical barrier.

Container growing

Choose a sturdy container at least 30 cm (12 in) deep with several open drainage holes. Fill it with porous potting mix, then plant ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ bulbs 10 cm (4 in) deep and approximately 8 cm (3 in) apart. A broad pot can hold the complete package for a generous display. Water deeply once and leave the container outdoors so the bulbs receive the winter cold they need. Position it away from extreme wind, roof runoff, and standing water. In spring, check moisture below the surface before watering and rotate the pot if stems lean toward the light. During bloom, the container may be moved beside an entrance or patio, then returned to a bright position while foliage yellows. Remove faded flowers but never cut leaves while they remain green. Reduce watering during summer dormancy and keep a visible label. In very cold locations, insulate the container sides or place the pot in a sheltered, unheated outdoor position. If the group becomes crowded after several years, separate firm offsets during dormancy and refresh part of the potting mix before replanting. Keep the resting container comparatively dry without allowing it to become waterlogged.

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

10 cm (4 in)

Bloom period

‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ produces star-shaped pure-white flowers that reveal a steel-blue centre in early spring. Upright stems reach approximately 10 cm (4 in) and keep the display clearly visible in beds, borders, and containers. Group all 3 bulbs to strengthen the mass of colour. A bright, sheltered position helps preserve the flower form after rain. For bouquets, cut buds when they are fully coloured and beginning to open, then leave sufficient foliage in the garden. Remove faded blooms afterward but retain every green leaf until it yellows naturally.

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Pair ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ with grape hyacinths, crocuses, narcissi, violas, primroses, or low perennials. Their forms and colours emphasize the pure white with a steel-blue centre flowers without hiding the 10 cm (4 in) stems. Choose companions that prefer full sun or light partial shade, moderate spring moisture, and freely drained soil. Avoid aggressive plants that shade the foliage and species requiring abundant irrigation during the bulbs’ summer dormancy. Later-emerging perennials can conceal yellowing leaves while still allowing them to replenish the bulbs.

Garden use

Plant all six ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ bulbs as one group in a border, sunny garden bed, or broad container beside a path. A depth of 10 cm (4 in) and spacing of approximately 10 cm (4 in) provide room for roots while maintaining a coherent floral mass. The star-shaped pure-white flowers that reveal a steel-blue centre combine with blue grape hyacinths, white narcissi, violas, and primroses that also appreciate good drainage. Position this Species tulip in front of taller perennials so its foliage receives sufficient spring light. In a formal design, repeat several groups at regular intervals; in a cottage garden, arrange them more freely among low plants. A sheltered location protects flowers during heavy rain. After bloom, allow neighbouring perennials to conceal yellowing foliage gradually without cutting it prematurely. Reduce irrigation as leaves decline and avoid areas watered heavily in summer. Mark bulb positions discreetly so dormant plants are not damaged. A few fully coloured buds may be harvested for bouquets while most leaves remain in the garden. This arrangement keeps routine care accessible and the seasonal display easy to appreciate. Near an entrance, keep the group far enough from foot traffic to protect the stems while retaining a clear view of the flowers. A discreet label also makes the resting bulbs easier to locate during summer.

Frequently asked questions

When should ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ tulip bulbs be planted?

Plant ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ tulip bulbs in fall after the soil has cooled and before the ground freezes. Choose full sun or light partial shade where water drains promptly after rain and snowmelt. Set each bulb pointed end up, 10 cm (4 in) deep and about 8 cm (3 in) from the next bulb. Group all 3 bulbs for a fuller display, cover them, firm the soil gently, and water thoroughly once. In heavy clay, use a raised bed or improve drainage throughout the planting area. Mark the location so the bulbs are not disturbed during summer dormancy. This fall planting period provides the natural winter chilling needed for dependable spring flowering.

What do ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ flowers look like?

‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ produces star-shaped pure-white flowers that reveal a steel-blue centre. Upright stems reach approximately 10 cm (4 in) and carry the display in early spring. Its Species form creates a clear focal point in a spring border, garden bed, or large container. Plant all 3 bulbs together rather than scattering them to show the colour and flower shape more effectively. Green foliage provides a quiet base below the blooms and remains important after flowering because it replenishes the bulbs. A bright site protected from strong wind helps the stems remain upright and preserves the flowers after rain. Well-coloured buds are also suitable for cutting when they are just beginning to open.

Will ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ return every year?

‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ bulbs are hardy in Zones 3 to 10, but this highly bred tulip is generally a short-lived perennial. It may return for several springs when planted deeply in fertile, freely drained soil. After flowering, remove faded blooms but keep all foliage until it yellows naturally; the leaves replenish the reserves needed for the next display. Reduce watering during summer dormancy because soil that remains wet can weaken or rot the bulbs. If a full, even display is important, add fresh bulbs periodically or renew the group when flowering becomes sparse. A sunny position, complete foliage ripening, and protection from prolonged saturation provide the best chance of repeat bloom from one year to the next.

Can ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ be grown in a container?

Yes. Choose a sturdy container at least 30 cm (12 in) deep with several open drainage holes, then fill it with a porous potting mix. Plant ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ bulbs 10 cm (4 in) deep and about 8 cm (3 in) apart; a broad pot can hold all 3 bulbs for a generous display. Water after planting and keep the container outdoors so the bulbs receive the winter cold they need. Protect the pot from standing water and extreme exposure without moving it into a heated room. In spring, maintain even moisture and shelter the stems from strong wind. Allow the foliage to yellow completely before reducing watering for summer dormancy.

Is ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ suitable for bouquets?

Yes. ‘Humilis Alba Coerulea Oculata’ suits bouquets because its upright stems carry clearly visible flowers. Cut when the buds are fully coloured and just beginning to open, preferably during the cool part of the day. Use clean tools and place the stems promptly in fresh water. If you want the bulbs to recharge for another season, harvest only a few stems and leave as much foliage as possible in the garden. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline, refresh the vase water regularly, and keep the arrangement away from direct heat. The flowers continue opening after cutting and bring a natural spring display indoors while the remaining garden foliage supports the bulbs below ground.