Description

Tulip Abba is an early-season double tulip cultivar renowned for its vivid scarlet-red, densely layered blooms resembling peonies. Its flowers unfurl in early to mid-spring (typically late March to early April in Ireland), on sturdy 25–30 cm stems, making it a first-rate option for exposed coastal beds, windy rural borders, or urban containers where stability is crucial. Abba performs beautifully in full sun, thriving in moderately fertile, well-drained loam with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Avoid waterlogged clay — raised beds or containerised planting using peat-free compost with added grit is recommended in wetter western regions.

A favourite in civic displays, hotel entrances, or formal spring beds, this tulip brings high-impact colour with exceptional uniformity. For layered schemes, pair it with low-growing Muscari armeniacum, Anemone blanda Blue Shades, or early miniature daffodils like Narcissus Jetfire.

While not fragrant, the open flower structure allows partial access to early solitary bees, making it modestly beneficial for biodiversity, particularly when interplanted with pollinator-rich underplanting. Tulip Abba is also excellent for early cut flower work — harvest when buds are just colouring for maximum vase life.

 For professional landscapes, plant in drifts of 25+ bulbs per m² for bold colour continuity.