Name: ‘La Belle Époque’ Tulip
Brand: Van Noort
SKU: VAN-106-126-01
Price: 18.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Sale Sold out

‘La Belle Époque’ tulips in bloom, showing large, fully double, peony-shaped flowers with layered petals in shifting shades of apricot, blush pink, caramel, and soft amber

Double Early tulip bulb Liliaceae

Fall-planted bulbs

Van Noort

Tulipa

From bulb to bloom

Common nameSalmon Double Early tulip

FamilyLiliaceae

GenusTulipa

CultivarLa Belle Époque

Bulb typeDouble Early tulip bulb

Botanical nameTulipa

Quantity per pack6 size 12/+ bulbs

‘La Belle Époque’ Tulip (Tulipa ‘La Belle Époque’) opens in early spring with large, fully double, peony-shaped flowers. Layered petals blend shifting tones of apricot, blush pink, caramel, and soft amber. This package contains 6 size 12/+ bulbs. Sturdy stems reach approximately 35 cm (14 in.), an ideal height for borders, containers, grouped plantings, and bouquets. Hardy in Zones 3 to 10, this Double Early tulip prefers full sun or light partial shade in fertile, loose soil that drains freely. Its distinctive vintage palette changes subtly as the flowers mature, giving every planting or arrangement unusual depth.

Plant the bulbs in fall, pointed end up, 15 cm (6 in.) deep and 10 cm (4 in.) apart. Grouping all six bulbs creates a generous garden bouquet and reveals the warm variation among individual flowers. Loosen the soil across the planting area, incorporate a modest amount of mature compost if fertility is low, and water thoroughly after planting. In spring, provide even moisture without saturating the bulb zone. A bright site sheltered from prevailing winds protects the heavy flowers after rain. In containers, use a deep pot with unobstructed drainage holes and never leave standing water around the bulbs. Pair with cream narcissi or deep blue grape hyacinths for elegant contrast.

After flowering, remove faded blooms before seed develops, but leave every green leaf until it turns yellow and pulls away easily. The foliage replenishes the bulb for the following season. Reduce watering during summer dormancy. Like many highly bred double tulips, ‘La Belle Époque’ is a short-lived perennial and may flower less abundantly after several years; renew the planting when a consistently full display is important. For bouquets, cut stems when buds are well coloured and just beginning to open. The densely layered flowers add peony texture and a sophisticated palette to arrangements. Keep bulbs and plant parts away from children and pets because tulips are harmful when eaten and their sap can irritate sensitive skin.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Short-lived bulbous perennial
Hardiness: Zone 3 to 10

Planting and establishment

Planting guide

Planting & establishment

Planting depth

15 cm (6 in.)

Spacing / density

Space 10 cm (4 in.) apart

Planting period

Fall, before the ground freezes

Propagation

Divide offsets during dormancy

Growing method

Plant ‘La Belle Époque’ in fall before the ground freezes. Choose a site in full sun or light partial shade with loose, fertile, freely drained soil. Prepare the entire planting area to a depth of 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in.) and mix in a modest amount of mature compost if the soil is poor. Set each size 12/+ bulb pointed end up, 15 cm (6 in.) deep, leaving 10 cm (4 in.) between bulbs. Group the six bulbs for a full display, cover them, firm gently, and water thoroughly once. In heavy clay, improve drainage across a wide area or use a raised bed or container. As shoots emerge in spring, keep the soil evenly moist but never saturated. A sheltered position protects the heavy double blooms from wind and driving rain. Cut flowers when well-coloured buds begin to open, or enjoy them in the garden until they fade. Remove spent blooms before seeds form, but retain all foliage until it yellows completely. Reduce watering as dormancy begins. Mark the planting so summer work does not damage resting bulbs. If flowering declines after several seasons, lift firm bulbs after the foliage has finished, discard damaged material, and replant healthy offsets or renew the display with fresh bulbs.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Acid, neutral, or alkaline

Moisture

Moderate moisture during growth; comparatively dry in dormancy

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Water thoroughly after fall planting to settle soil around the bulbs. In spring, provide even moisture when rainfall is insufficient, checking the soil before each application. Water at ground level and allow excess moisture to drain freely. Double flowers can hold rain, but additional overhead watering is unnecessary. Reduce irrigation after bloom while the leaves yellow, then keep the planting comparatively dry through summer dormancy. Containers dry more quickly, so check them regularly, but empty saucers promptly and never leave the bulbs standing in water.

Soil type

Choose loose, fertile, freely drained soil that can remain evenly moist during active spring growth without becoming saturated. Sandy loam or loam amended with a modest amount of mature compost is ideal. In heavy clay, improve drainage over a broad area or use a raised bed or container. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain or snowmelt, because wet conditions encourage bulb rot. The dormant planting should be comparatively dry in summer. Good drainage is more important than very rich soil for healthy bulbs and sturdy flower stems.

Fertilization

At planting time, incorporate a modest amount of mature compost into poor soil without placing concentrated fertilizer directly against the bulbs. In early spring, a light application of balanced bulb fertilizer or compost is sufficient as shoots emerge. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages soft leaves and weaker stems beneath the heavy double flowers. Do not continue feeding after flowering or during summer dormancy. In containers, follow the product label and use a mild application only during active growth. A soil test helps prevent unnecessary amendments in already fertile beds.

Seasonal care

In fall, prepare a freely drained bed and plant the bulbs 15 cm (6 in.) deep before the ground freezes. Water once to settle the soil, then allow normal autumn precipitation to take over. A shallow mulch can moderate temperature swings, but keep it loose so meltwater does not remain over the planting. As shoots emerge in spring, clear heavy debris and check drainage after snowmelt. Supply moderate water only when rainfall is insufficient. A light compost top-dressing or balanced bulb fertilizer may be applied as growth begins. During flowering, protect the heavy double blooms from strong wind and driving rain when possible. Cut stems when well-coloured buds start opening for long vase life, using clean tools and leaving enough foliage on each bulb. Remove faded flowers before seed forms, but retain every healthy leaf until it turns yellow and pulls away easily. This ripening period rebuilds the bulb. Reduce watering as dormancy begins and keep the site marked through summer. Avoid digging or irrigating the area heavily while the bulbs rest. Inspect containers for blocked drainage holes and protect them from prolonged saturation. Because Double Early tulips are often short-lived perennials, evaluate the display each spring. When flowering becomes sparse, lift firm bulbs after the foliage has finished, discard soft or damaged material, replant healthy offsets, or add fresh size 12/+ bulbs in fall to restore a full display.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

Stable container at least 30 cm (12 in.) deep

Use a sturdy container at least 30 cm (12 in.) deep with several open drainage holes. Fill it with a loose, porous potting mix and set the size 12/+ bulbs pointed end up, approximately 15 cm (6 in.) deep and 10 cm (4 in.) apart. A broad pot can hold all six bulbs for a generous spring display. Water thoroughly once after planting, then allow excess water to drain. Keep the container outdoors in full sun or light partial shade so the bulbs receive natural winter cold. In very exposed locations, insulate the sides with breathable material or place the pot in a sheltered, unheated position; do not move it into a heated room. Protect the mix from roof runoff and empty any saucer after rain. As shoots emerge, provide even moisture and one light feeding. Rotate the container if stems lean toward the light, and shelter heavy double flowers from strong wind. After bloom, remove faded flowers but leave the foliage until it yellows completely. Reduce watering for summer dormancy. Refresh part of the potting mix before the next fall cycle and replace bulbs when flowering declines. Keep labels visible throughout dormancy.

Growth and flowering

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Approximately 35 cm (14 in.)

Width / spread

Approximately 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.)

Flower color

Apricot, blush pink, caramel, and soft amber

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Deciduous

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Upright

Fragrance

Subtle fragrance

Bloom period

Large, fully double, peony-shaped flowers open in early spring. Numerous layered petals blend apricot, blush pink, caramel, and soft amber, with subtle colour shifts as the blooms mature. Sturdy stems carry the full flowers approximately 35 cm (14 in.) above the soil. Shelter from strong wind protects the layered petals after rain. Cut well-coloured buds as they begin to open for bouquets, or group all six bulbs for a warm vintage display in borders and containers.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Pair ‘La Belle Époque’ with white narcissi, blue grape hyacinths, early anemones, forget-me-nots, violas, or low spring perennials. Their simpler shapes and cooler colours emphasize the full apricot, blush pink, caramel, and soft amber flowers. Choose companions that prefer sun to light partial shade, moderate spring moisture, and freely drained soil. Low foliage can hide yellowing tulip leaves after bloom without blocking sunlight during the important ripening period. Avoid dense, aggressive roots and plants requiring constant summer irrigation around the dormant bulbs. Leave enough space for air circulation and for the heavy double flowers to open freely.

Garden use

Plant the six ‘La Belle Époque’ bulbs as one generous group near the front or middle of a sunny spring border. Their slightly varied apricot, blush pink, caramel, and soft amber tones create a coordinated display without looking uniform. Repeat additional packages along a path or entrance for rhythm, or use a broad, deep container to bring the peony-like flowers and colour evolution close to a patio. White narcissi, blue grape hyacinths, early anemones, forget-me-nots, and low spring foliage provide attractive contrast while leaving the double blooms visible. Choose companions that accept freely drained soil and comparatively dry summer conditions. Leave 10 cm (4 in.) between bulbs and keep taller perennials far enough away that they do not shade emerging leaves. A sheltered position reduces damage to rain-heavy flowers. For bouquets, harvest well-coloured buds as they begin to open and leave enough foliage to replenish the bulbs. After bloom, low perennials can disguise yellowing tulip leaves. Avoid low, wet beds, routine summer irrigation, and sites heavily browsed by deer. Renew bulbs periodically if flowering declines, since highly bred Double Early tulips are usually more dependable as short-lived perennials than as permanent naturalizing plants. This supports reliable flowering.

Frequently asked questions

When should ‘La Belle Époque’ tulip bulbs be planted?

Plant ‘La Belle Époque’ 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, 15 cm (6 in.) deep and about 10 cm (4 in.) from the next bulb. Group the 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 ‘La Belle Époque’ flowers look like?

‘La Belle Époque’ produces flowers in apricot, blush pink, caramel, and soft amber tones on upright stems that reach approximately Approximately 35 cm (14 in.). The blooms appear in early spring, and the Double Early form creates a clear focal point in a spring border, garden bed, or large container. Group the bulbs 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 ‘La Belle Époque’ return every year?

‘La Belle Époque’ is hardy in cold climates, 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 ‘La Belle Époque’ 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 ‘La Belle Époque’ bulbs 15 cm (6 in.) deep and about 10 cm (4 in.) apart. A broad pot creates a more 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 ‘La Belle Époque’ suitable for bouquets?

Yes. ‘La Belle Époque’ 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.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Reported toxicity

Yes

Supporting wildlife

The large double flowers may receive occasional visits from spring insects, although their densely layered petals can make pollen less accessible than in single tulips. For a pollinator-focused planting, combine ‘La Belle Époque’ with open-flowered crocuses, grape hyacinths, and species tulips. Deer and squirrels may browse tulips or disturb bulbs, so use suitable protection where these animals are active. Avoid insecticides while any spring flowers are open.