‘Shogun’ Botanical Tulip (Tulipa praestans ‘Shogun’)

Name: ‘Shogun’ Botanical Tulip (Tulipa praestans ‘Shogun’)
Brand: Van Noort
SKU: VAN-104-272-01
Price: 5.49 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Sale Sold out

Species tulip bulb Liliaceae

Van Noort

Common nameLight orange with yellow and red accents Species tulip

FamilyLiliaceae

GenusTulipa

Bulb typeSpecies tulip bulb

Botanical nameTulipa

Quantity per pack6 bulbs

‘Shogun’ Botanical Tulip (Tulipa praestans ‘Shogun’) is a compact, multiflowering botanical tulip that brings colour to the garden very early. Each bulb may produce several light-orange flowers, softened with yellow near the petal tips and sometimes marked red around the centre. The package contains 6 size 8/9 bulbs. Stems reach approximately 25 cm (10 in) and bloom in early spring, often among the first tulips. Hardy in Zones 3 to 10, ‘Shogun’ suits rock gardens, border fronts, containers, gravel gardens, and naturalized plantings. Grey-green foliage and small clusters of flowers create a generous display despite the plant’s compact size.

Plant the bulbs in fall, pointed end up, 10 cm (4 in) deep and approximately 8 cm (3 in) apart. Choose full sun or light partial shade and loose, fertile, freely drained soil. Group all six bulbs near the front of a bed or in a broad container so the multiple flowers can be appreciated easily. Water after planting, then allow normal autumn precipitation to maintain moisture. In spring, water only when the soil begins to dry. Avoid low spots where snowmelt or cold rain collects because persistent moisture can rot the bulbs. A sheltered position also protects the short flowering stems from harsh early-spring weather.

After flowering, remove faded blooms if you wish to limit seed formation, but leave every leaf until it yellows naturally. Unlike many large hybrid tulips, Tulipa praestans ‘Shogun’ can naturalize and return reliably when its soil stays drained and comparatively dry during summer. Reduce watering as foliage declines and avoid disturbing the clump during dormancy. Early flowers may support the first visiting pollinators, especially when combined with crocuses and grape hyacinths. Keep bulbs and every other plant part away from children and pets because tulips are toxic when eaten, and sap may irritate sensitive skin. Wear gloves during planting, division, and seasonal cleanup.

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun

Planting guide

Planting & establishment

Planting depth

10 cm (4 in)

Spacing / density

8 cm (3 in) between bulbs

Growing method

Plant all six ‘Shogun’ bulbs in fall after the soil has cooled and before it freezes. Choose full sun or light partial shade and loose, fertile, freely drained soil. Prepare the whole planting area, then set every bulb pointed end up, 10 cm (4 in) deep and approximately 8 cm (3 in) apart. Group them at the front of a border, in a rock garden, or in a broad container for a generous effect. Water thoroughly after planting. In spring, provide moderate moisture when rainfall is insufficient, but never allow water to stand around the bulbs. Remove faded flowers after bloom, while retaining every leaf until it yellows naturally. Reduce watering during summer dormancy. Mark the location and avoid deep cultivation around the clump. If the group eventually becomes crowded, divide offsets only after the foliage has finished completely. Wear gloves if your skin is sensitive to tulip sap, and keep bulbs away from children and pets. For naturalized planting, leave offsets in place and add only a thin layer of mature compost in fall if growth slows. Avoid fresh manure and nitrogen-rich fertilizer, which encourage soft foliage. In heavy clay, improve drainage throughout the planting area or use a raised bed. A sheltered site protects early flowers from severe weather while keeping the compact stems upright.

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. The 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 ensure every drainage hole remains open.

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, gently remove debris that traps moisture without damaging emerging shoots. Water only when the soil begins to dry and shelter the short stems from severe wind. After flowering, remove faded blooms but leave every leaf until it yellows naturally so the bulbs can replenish their reserves. Reduce watering during summer dormancy. In fall, add a modest amount of mature compost if the soil is poor and confirm that drainage remains effective. Divide crowded offsets only while the bulbs are dormant. During bloom, check the soil after cold rain and empty container saucers promptly. For bouquets, cut only a few stems at the coloured-bud stage and leave most foliage in place. In summer, avoid deep cultivation around dormant bulbs and mark their location before leaves disappear. Inspect bulbs only if flowering declines or rot is suspected. Firm offsets can be separated and replanted during dormancy. In fall, reset them 10 cm (4 in) deep and approximately 8 cm (3 in) apart, then water once after closing the soil. In very cold areas, apply a thin mulch after the ground freezes and remove it gradually in spring. Avoid fresh manure, late nitrogen feeding, and frequent summer irrigation. Check containers before winter to confirm that drainage holes remain open and that roof runoff cannot saturate the mix. Where squirrels disturb newly planted bulbs, use a suitable physical barrier until the ground settles.

Container growing

Choose a sturdy container at least 25 cm (10 in) deep with several open drainage holes. Fill it with porous potting mix, then plant all six ‘Shogun’ bulbs 10 cm (4 in) deep and approximately 8 cm (3 in) apart. Water deeply once and leave the pot outdoors so the bulbs receive the winter cold they need. Position it away from extreme wind and roof runoff. In spring, maintain moderate moisture without leaving water in the saucer. After flowering, remove faded blooms, retain the foliage until it yellows completely, and reduce watering for summer. In very cold locations, insulate the container sides or place the pot in a sheltered, unheated outdoor position. Mark the pot during dormancy and avoid disturbing the resting bulbs. Raise the pot slightly so excess water can escape and never allow it to remain in a filled saucer. In spring, rotate the container if stems lean toward the light. Move it near an entrance during bloom if desired, then return it to a bright position while foliage yellows. Do not bring the bulbs into a heated room during winter. If the group becomes crowded after several years, separate offsets during dormancy and refresh part of the potting mix before replanting. Keep a visible label so the resting container is not watered excessively in summer. Check moisture beneath the surface rather than following a fixed schedule, and protect newly planted pots if squirrels are active.

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

25 cm (10 in)

Bloom period

In early spring, each bulb may carry several light-orange flowers with yellow shading toward the petal tips and occasional red marks near the centre. Small flowers open in clusters above grey-green foliage on stems approximately 25 cm (10 in) tall. Group all six bulbs for a clearly visible block of colour. Flowers may be cut when the buds are coloured, but leave enough foliage in the garden to support the bulbs. The display is especially effective in rock gardens and border fronts.

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Pair ‘Shogun’ with blue grape hyacinths, crocuses, white narcissi, violas, or primroses. These plants emphasize the light-orange flowers and appreciate bright light with effective drainage. Later-emerging perennials can conceal foliage as it yellows after bloom. Avoid aggressive plants that cast heavy spring shade and companions requiring abundant summer irrigation. Allow enough space for air circulation and choose low plants that keep the small flower clusters visible near the border front. Small ornamental grasses for dry sites can extend the display without keeping the bulb zone wet during dormancy. Match every companion to the same seasonal moisture pattern.

Garden use

Group all six ‘Shogun’ bulbs at the front of a sunny border, in a rock garden, or in a gravel garden. Maintain a planting depth of 10 cm (4 in) and spacing of approximately 8 cm (3 in) to form a compact clump without compromising drainage. Repeat small groups along a path for rhythm, or place the complete package in a broad container near a patio. Light-orange flowers pair well with blue grape hyacinths, white narcissi, crocuses, and primroses. Choose companions that accept comparatively dry summer soil so resting bulbs are not overwatered. Position ‘Shogun’ in front of taller perennials so its foliage receives enough spring light. After bloom, neighbouring perennials can gradually conceal the yellowing leaves. Avoid low spots where water collects and areas receiving frequent summer irrigation. This arrangement supports naturalizing and maintains an attractive display from early spring until dormancy. Near an entrance, a compact group attracts attention without obstructing the walkway. In a rock garden, position bulbs among stones that encourage water runoff while retaining enough soil for root development. Mark the group discreetly before the foliage disappears completely so summer work does not damage it. In a mixed bed, repeat the light-orange colour in small accents rather than hiding the low stems behind dense evergreen foliage. Leave access for occasional division if the naturalized clump becomes crowded.

Frequently asked questions

When should ‘Shogun’ tulip bulbs be planted?

Plant ‘Shogun’ 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 six 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 ‘Shogun’ flowers look like?

‘Shogun’ produces several light-orange flowers with yellow and red accents from each bulb. Upright stems reach approximately 25 cm (10 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 six 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 ‘Shogun’ botanical tulips return every year?

Yes. Tulipa praestans ‘Shogun’ is a naturalizing botanical tulip that can return and multiply gradually when conditions suit it. Plant the bulbs in loose, freely drained soil in full sun or light partial shade. After flowering, remove only faded blooms and leave all foliage until it yellows naturally so the bulbs can replenish their reserves. Reduce watering during summer dormancy because continually wet soil weakens the bulbs. Avoid deep cultivation around the clump and mark its location. A rock garden, raised border, or gravel garden often provides the drainage needed for a lasting display. Divide crowded groups only after the foliage has finished and the bulbs have entered dormancy.

Can ‘Shogun’ be grown in a container?

Yes. Choose a sturdy container at least 25 cm (10 in) deep with several open drainage holes, then fill it with porous potting mix. Plant ‘Shogun’ bulbs 10 cm (4 in) deep and approximately 8 cm (3 in) apart; a broad pot can hold all six 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 ‘Shogun’ suitable for bouquets?

Yes. ‘Shogun’ 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.