As long as you get the depth right, there's almost no WRONG way to plant tulip bulbs, however arranging them like a professional ups your Curb Appeal Game; so let's dive in!
Let's get the details out of the way: Tulip and daffodil bulbs are planted about 6 inches deep. Tulip bulbs have many varieties and different varieties flower at different times; either early, midseason or late-flowering, SO... when thinking about curb appeal you can either have one big tulip show or stagger them so you have a longer bloom time.
I personally prefer one big show so I plant all one kind and all one color. Don't get too many colors of tulip because it tends to look junky from a curb appeal perspective. Why? Because there is too much fighting to catch your eye. Whether en mass or in a tiny cluster, one color looks more neat and tidy. (Photo by Amy McCauley)
All white blooms, designed by Amy Killam.
Even if you choose a couple colors, clustering the same color together gives the biggest impact. (Photo by Garden Concierge)
Here is a painterly mix below, all planted en mass (trust me, you will need more bulbs that you think) (photos by Dirt Simple) Unless you dig them up each year, what will go here in the summer? Perhaps large pots? For this reason, putting your tulips in an area that's designed as "ok to be empty during the summer" is an interesting way to think. Planting them like this is harder as you'll have giant rectangles empty in the summer but boy is it a show in the Spring!
Now scroll back up. Take note of the house adorned with white tulips - it's been strategically planted with other flora so that when summer rolls around, there won't be any unsightly gaps. Planning ahead is key, as certain areas may be ideal for greenery in the summer but can be transformed with tulips come springtime.
I also really like the idea of tulips flanking a walkway or doorway if the light is appropriate. An easy way to do that is also put the same tulips in pots to sit out front for this time of year.
What kind? The Darwin Hybrid tulip bulbs are known to be one of the largest varieties of tulip bulbs. They produce large flowers on sturdy stems and are known for their vibrant colors and strong performance in gardens. Darwin Hybrid tulips are a cross between Darwin tulips and Fosteriana tulips, resulting in a hybrid that combines the best characteristics of both parent varieties. These tulip bulbs typically produce flowers that are 4 to 6 inches in diameter and can grow up to 24 inches in height, making them a popular choice for creating eye-catching displays in gardens and landscapes.
Recap: Think clusters or groupings. Don't get too many colors, it tends to look junky from a curb appeal perspective because there is too much fighting for your eye. Work backward planning what your whole yard will look like in the summer first including the perennials and shrubbery and then work out where the tulip groupings can go for Spring (because once they die back, there will only be bare dirt there.)
Kristina Browning is a Home Functionality Coach... which includes curb appeal consultations. If you are thinking of listing your home but understand the exterior needs some help, schedule a consult with her here. 503-505-3798 Cheers!