Description

Tulip Orange Marmalade is a captivating Viridiflora tulip, instantly recognisable for the bold interplay of colour across its long-lasting petals. The base tone is a rich orange with warm apricot undertones, but what sets this variety apart is the distinctive green feathering that runs up the centre of each petal. This green flush lends the flower both depth and contrast, softening the intensity of the orange while adding a painterly, almost tropical quality to the bloom. As the flower matures through late April into May, the orange tones mellow into coppery-apricot shades, while the green veining remains crisp, ensuring displays that feel dynamic and ever-changing.

Standing at 40–50 cm tall, Orange Marmalade holds its flowers on sturdy, upright stems that withstand Irish spring winds and showers better than more delicate forms. It blooms in the late season, carrying the tulip display further into May when many earlier groups are already fading. This makes it a superb variety for extending colour in mixed borders and public planting schemes. In containers, its striking bi-coloured effect ensures it becomes a true talking point, particularly when combined with contrasting deep purples or soft creams.

From a biodiversity perspective, Viridiflora tulips like Orange Marmalade are moderately useful. Their more open form provides accessible pollen, though not as generously as species tulips or simpler singles. Nonetheless, they can contribute to a supportive planting palette when paired with pollinator-friendly bulbs like Allium Purple Sensation or Camassia leichtlinii caerulea, which follow on seamlessly as the tulip season closes.

In design terms, Orange Marmalade is as versatile as it is dramatic. It partners beautifully with late white tulips such as Maureen for sharp contrast, or with deep wine shades like Negrita or Queen of Night for moody sophistication. For softer combinations, it sits comfortably alongside peachy Apricot Parrot or the lavender tones of Blue Diamond. In municipal or civic beds, it brings both colour and textural intrigue, the green markings lending extra visual depth when viewed from a distance.

While not strongly fragrant, Orange Marmalade compensates with its longevity — often holding flowers for up to three weeks in cool Irish conditions. This durability, combined with its unique colouring, makes it invaluable for landscapers and designers seeking late-season impact with added character.