Name: ‘Finola’ Tulip
Brand: Van Noort
SKU: VAN-158-181-01
Price: 18.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Sale Sold out

Double Late Group tulip Liliaceae

Ivory and pink double late tulip

Van Noort

Tulipa

From bulb to bloom

Common nameFinola tulip

FamilyLiliaceae

GenusTulipa

CultivarFinola

Bulb typeDouble Late Group tulip

Botanical nameTulipa

Quantity per pack12 size 12/+ bulbs

‘Finola’ Tulip (Tulipa ‘Finola’) produces large double flowers resembling small peonies. Numerous ivory-white petals are irregularly flamed and edged with pale pink, giving every bloom a slightly different appearance. This Double Late Group tulip flowers in late spring on sturdy upright stems about 50 cm tall above broad lance-shaped green leaves. The package contains twelve size 12/+ bulbs, enough to create a generous bouquet effect quickly in a bed or large container. ‘Finola’ is also valued as a cut flower: coloured buds open gradually in a vase and combine easily with pastel arrangements. Its layered flower form provides fullness without requiring several different cultivars, while the soft colour remains visible from nearby paths and windows.

Plant the bulbs from September through November after the soil has cooled but while it remains workable. Choose full sun, protection from strong winds, and fertile, loose, freely drained soil. Set each bulb pointed end upward 10 to 15 cm deep and space bulbs about 10 cm apart. An irregular cluster looks more natural than a straight row. Water after planting to settle the soil, then allow seasonal precipitation to maintain moderate moisture without standing water. In clay ground, improve drainage through the entire planting area or use a raised bed. For container growing, select a frost-resistant pot with open drainage holes. A porous growing mix helps excess autumn rain and melting snow escape before it can damage the bulbs.

After flowering, remove faded blooms before seeds form, but retain every leaf until it has yellowed completely. The foliage continues rebuilding the bulb’s reserves during this period. ‘Finola’ does not naturalize as readily as some botanical tulips and often gives its most consistent display in the first year; relatively dry soil during dormancy improves its chance of returning. Plant it near an entrance, in a romantic border, or among late-emerging perennials that later conceal the ripening foliage. Blue grape hyacinths, white daffodils, and purple coral bells emphasize its ivory and pink flowers. Plant parts are harmful if eaten and may irritate sensitive skin, so wear gloves when handling them and keep stored packages away from children and pets.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Spring-flowering bulbous perennial
Hardiness: Zones 3 to 7; perennial performance improves in very well-drained soil

Planting and establishment

Planting guide

Planting & establishment

Planting depth

10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.) deep, pointed end upward

Spacing / density

Space approximately 10 cm (4 in.) apart in irregular groups

Planting period

September to November, depending on region

Propagation

Bulbs; division of offsets during dormancy

Growing method

Plant Finola in fall in full sun or light partial shade. Prepare humus-rich, loose, freely drained soil, then set bulbs 10 to 15 cm deep and 10 cm apart. Arrange them in odd-numbered groups for a natural bouquet effect. Choose a site where excess water drains quickly and loosen the soil below the base of the bulbs. Set every bulb pointed end upward without heavily compacting the soil. Water after planting to remove air pockets; fall rain and snow then supply most seasonal moisture. In spring, maintain even moisture while leaves and flower stems lengthen, without allowing standing water. A light mulch moderates temperature. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes leaves at the expense of flowers. Remove faded blooms before seeds form, but retain all green foliage until it yellows naturally. Clean tools and discard soft, injured, or diseased bulbs. In containers, check frequently that drainage holes remain open. Reduce watering gradually as foliage ripens. During dormancy, relatively dry soil limits rot. Divide clumps only when they become crowded and flower less, then promptly replant healthy offsets. Wear gloves while handling bulbs because their sap may irritate sensitive skin, and store unopened packages away from children and pets.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral

Moisture

Moderate moisture during rooting and flowering, with good air movement and constant drainage. Waterlogged soil in winter or dormancy greatly increases the risk of basal rot and weak return. Good air movement around leaves helps their surfaces dry after rain. Space bulbs without isolating them, remove diseased debris, and do not bury crowns beneath compact mulch. In containers, always empty saucers after watering. Check moisture below the surface before watering again.

Minimum temperature

Cold hardy in colder Canadian regions in drained soil; give containers extra protection

Care level

Easy

Watering

Water after planting, then maintain even moisture during spring growth without saturating the soil. Reduce irrigation as foliage yellows and keep the dormant bulbs relatively dry to limit rot. In spring, check the soil beneath mulch instead of following a fixed schedule. Water deeply when the upper few centimetres become dry, then allow excess to drain. Pots require more frequent monitoring than garden soil, especially while flower stems lengthen.

Soil type

Humus-rich, loose, freely drained soil that stays moderately moist in spring and becomes drier after foliage ripens. Avoid heavy depressions where water collects around bulbs. Before planting, incorporate mature compost into poor soil and fine grit or mineral amendment into heavy ground. An open structure lets roots establish in fall and protects bulb bases during winter thaws. On slopes, place bulbs where runoff cannot expose their roots or wash fine soil from the planting pocket.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost or low-nitrogen bulb fertilizer at planting, then apply a light dose in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen products that encourage leaves rather than flowers. Spread fertilizer across the root zone without placing granules directly on bulbs or young shoots. Follow the manufacturer’s rate, because excessive feeding produces soft foliage, increases damage risk, and never replaces adequate drainage. Water after feeding so nutrients move evenly into the active root zone.

Seasonal care

After bloom, remove only faded flowers and let every green leaf rebuild reserves until it yellows completely. Do not tie the foliage. Choose a site where excess water drains quickly and loosen the soil below the base of the bulbs. Set every bulb pointed end upward without heavily compacting the soil. Water after planting to remove air pockets; fall rain and snow then supply most seasonal moisture. In spring, maintain even moisture while leaves and flower stems lengthen, without allowing standing water. A light mulch moderates temperature. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes leaves at the expense of flowers. Remove faded blooms before seeds form, but retain all green foliage until it yellows naturally. Clean tools and discard soft, injured, or diseased bulbs. In containers, check frequently that drainage holes remain open. Reduce watering gradually as foliage ripens. During dormancy, relatively dry soil limits rot. Divide clumps only when they become crowded and flower less, then promptly replant healthy offsets. Wear gloves while handling bulbs because their sap may irritate sensitive skin, and store unopened packages away from children and pets. Watch for slugs around emerging shoots and avoid moving bulbs during active growth. A discreet marker protects the dormant group during summer garden work and makes future division easier. After several seasons, note flower density so division is planned only when performance genuinely declines.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

pot, 30 cm (12 in.) minimum depth, sized for the number of bulbs

Choose a frost-resistant container at least 30 cm deep with several open drainage holes. Use humus-rich potting mix amended with drainage material. Set bulbs 10 to 15 cm deep without touching, then water to settle the mix. Keep the pot cold so bulbs receive their winter rest. Choose a site where excess water drains quickly and loosen the soil below the base of the bulbs. Set every bulb pointed end upward without heavily compacting the soil. Water after planting to remove air pockets; fall rain and snow then supply most seasonal moisture. In spring, maintain even moisture while leaves and flower stems lengthen, without allowing standing water. A light mulch moderates temperature. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes leaves at the expense of flowers. Remove faded blooms before seeds form, but retain all green foliage until it yellows naturally. Clean tools and discard soft, injured, or diseased bulbs. In containers, check frequently that drainage holes remain open. Reduce watering gradually as foliage ripens. During dormancy, relatively dry soil limits rot. Divide clumps only when they become crowded and flower less, then promptly replant healthy offsets. Wear gloves while handling bulbs because their sap may irritate sensitive skin, and store unopened packages away from children and pets.

Growth and flowering

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Approximately 50 cm (20 in.)

Width / spread

Variable with bulb number and spacing

Flower color

Ivory white flamed and edged with pale pink

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Deciduous strap-shaped foliage disappearing after ripening

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Upright

Fragrance

Little or no fragrance depending on cultivar plants

Bloom period

Late spring flowering with double blooms in ivory white and pale pink tones. Flowers open in succession and suit both cutting and close garden viewing near paths or entrances. Cool weather often prolongs bloom quality, while a warm spell shortens the display. Cut stems early in the morning for bouquets and always leave enough foliage in place to replenish the bulbs. Display length varies with temperature, wind, and direct afternoon sun.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Grape hyacinths, squills, primroses, forget-me-nots, coral bells, and late-emerging perennials accompany flowering without excessive bulb competition. Choose plants that enjoy similarly drained soil and moderate spring moisture. Companions should emerge late enough to let tulip leaves receive the light they need. Avoid deep digging around dormant clumps; mark their position and top-dress with compost instead. A succession of foliage maintains the display after flowering. Low companions may fill spaces between bulbs without shading the ripening leaves. Their contrasting flower shapes emphasize the double blooms, while later perennial growth conceals the bed as tulips enter summer dormancy.

Plants to avoid

Aggressive plants and dense groundcovers that smother foliage before it ripens

Garden use

Plant Finola as a group near an entrance, along a path, or among perennials that later conceal ripened foliage. Double flowers in ivory white and pale pink tones gain presence against dark leaves. Repeat small groups to guide the eye through a border. Several stems may be cut for bouquets, but leave enough foliage on every plant. Choose a site where excess water drains quickly and loosen the soil below the base of the bulbs. Set every bulb pointed end upward without heavily compacting the soil. Water after planting to remove air pockets; fall rain and snow then supply most seasonal moisture. In spring, maintain even moisture while leaves and flower stems lengthen, without allowing standing water. A light mulch moderates temperature. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes leaves at the expense of flowers. Remove faded blooms before seeds form, but retain all green foliage until it yellows naturally. Clean tools and discard soft, injured, or diseased bulbs. In containers, check frequently that drainage holes remain open. Reduce watering gradually as foliage ripens. During dormancy, relatively dry soil limits rot. Divide clumps only when they become crowded and flower less, then promptly replant healthy offsets. Wear gloves while handling bulbs because their sap may irritate sensitive skin, and store unopened packages away from children and pets.

Frequently asked questions

When should Finola tulip bulbs be planted in colder Canadian regions?

Plant bulbs in fall when nights become cool and the soil remains workable, generally from September into November depending on region. Actual soil condition matters more than a fixed date. Planting too early may encourage premature growth, while planting after freeze-up limits rooting. Choose a day when the ground is neither frozen nor waterlogged. Set every bulb pointed end upward 10 to 15 cm deep, water to settle the soil, then add light mulch after sustained cold arrives. In containers, focus on protecting the pot from rapid freeze-thaw cycles while keeping drainage holes open throughout winter. This fall preparation gives roots enough time to establish before deep winter cold arrives.

How deeply and how far apart should the bulbs be planted?

Set bulbs about 10 to 15 cm deep, measured from the bulb top to the soil surface, and space them 10 cm apart. The rule of two to three times bulb height remains useful when sizes vary. Plant slightly shallower in improved heavy soil and somewhat deeper in sandy ground exposed to temperature swings. Point the growing tip upward and rest the flatter base on loosened soil. Group bulbs in odd numbers for a natural effect without allowing them to touch. In containers, also retain several centimetres of mix beneath developing roots and enough headspace above for watering. This spacing also balances the double blooms visually.

Will the Finola double tulip return every year?

‘Finola’ may flower again when the soil remains freely drained and the foliage completes its full cycle, but this double late tulip does not naturalize as readily as some botanical tulips. After flowering, remove faded blooms to prevent seed production, then allow every leaf to yellow naturally before cutting it back. The leaves rebuild the bulb’s reserves. Maintain moderate moisture during this ripening period and reduce watering through dormancy. A sunny position, light spring feeding, and freedom from standing water support future flowering. For a perfectly consistent display, many gardeners still refresh part of the planting after several seasons, especially where summers are wet or repeated freeze-thaw cycles weaken the bulbs.

Can all twelve bulbs be grown in one container?

Yes. Choose a frost-resistant container at least 30 cm deep with several drainage holes. Use humus-rich potting mix amended with drainage material. Set bulbs 10 to 15 cm deep, close enough for a bouquet effect but not touching. Water after planting, then prevent only complete drying before freeze-up. The pot must remain cold for winter rest while being protected from excessive rain and repeated thaws. In spring, increase watering gradually as shoots emerge and place the container in abundant light. Rotate it periodically if light comes from one direction so sturdy flower stems remain balanced rather than leaning strongly. Label the pot so emerging spring shoots are recognized and protected during cleanup.

What should be done after Finola flowers?

Remove faded flowers before plants spend energy producing seed, but do not tie or cut green leaves. Let them capture light until they yellow and detach easily, often several weeks after bloom. Continue moderate watering if spring is dry, then reduce it during dormancy. Nearby perennials can conceal the space. If a clump becomes very crowded and flowers less, lift it after foliage yellows, separate offsets, and replant them promptly. Wear gloves because toxic bulbs and sap may irritate skin, and discard any soft or diseased bulb rather than returning it to the bed or adding it to a home compost pile.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Reported toxicity

Yes

Supporting wildlife

Flowers may provide pollen and nectar for insects active in spring. Avoid insecticides during bloom and maintain a diversity of bulbs and perennials to extend available resources across the garden season. Some cultivated tulip forms may offer fewer resources than simpler flowers, so combine them with accessible spring species such as crocuses, grape hyacinths, and squills.