Tulip ‘Sun Lover’ – Glowing Double Blooms for a Golden Spring

The Tulip ‘Sun Lover’ is a spectacular double-flowering tulip that produces lush, peony-like blooms in fiery shades of golden yellow, orange, and red. As the flowers mature, their colours deepen and shift, giving a multi-tonal effect that glows in the spring sunshine. With its full, layered petals and long-lasting performance, ‘Sun Lover’ is one of the most impressive tulips for borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements.

Flowering in late spring, this variety extends colour and excitement in the garden, pairing beautifully with other late-season bulbs and perennials. Its strong stems and large blooms make it a show-stopping feature both outdoors and in vases indoors.

General Information

Tulip ‘Sun Lover’ is part of the double late group of tulips, sometimes called “peony tulips” for their large, ruffled flowers.

• Height: Grows 40–50cm tall.

• Flowers: Large, double blooms with layered petals in fiery shades of gold, orange, and red.

• Flowering season: Late spring (April to May).

• Foliage: Broad, grey-green strap-like leaves.

• Position: Prefers full sun, though will tolerate light shade.

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil is essential; avoid waterlogged conditions.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy; thrives in most climates.

• Uses: Borders, beds, patio containers, and cut flower displays.

The dramatic blooms of ‘Sun Lover’ make it a perfect partner for dark tulips, late daffodils, or purple alliums, creating fiery, eye-catching combinations.

Care Guide

Tulip ‘Sun Lover’ is easy to grow and needs only a little seasonal care to perform at its best.

Planting

• When to plant: Plant bulbs in autumn (September–November) before frost.

• Depth & spacing: Plant 10–15cm deep and 8–10cm apart.

• Grouping: Plant in clusters of 6–10 or more for a bold display.

• Containers: Use a gritty multipurpose compost to ensure free drainage.

Watering & Feeding

• Water well after planting to help bulbs settle.

• In spring, water if conditions are very dry, especially for container plantings.

• Feed with a balanced bulb fertiliser when shoots appear to boost flower production.

Aftercare

• Remove faded flowers to prevent seed setting, but leave foliage to die back naturally.

• Do not cut or tie leaves prematurely, as this weakens the bulbs.

• Tulips can be treated as annuals, but if reusing, lift bulbs once foliage has died back, dry them, and replant in autumn.

Protection

• Hardy in the ground, though bulbs in pots may benefit from shelter during severe frost.

• Avoid waterlogged soils to prevent rot.

• Protect young shoots from slugs and snails in early spring.

Why Choose Tulip ‘Sun Lover’?

This tulip offers gardeners a glowing, dramatic bloom that evolves in colour and texture as the season progresses.

• Fiery colours: Glowing shades of gold, orange, and red.

• Double blooms: Large, peony-like flowers with layered petals.

• Late flowering: Extends tulip season into late spring.

• Versatile: Perfect for beds, borders, containers, or cut flower arrangements.

• Garden drama: A bold, show-stopping variety for vibrant displays.

The Tulip ‘Sun Lover’ is the ideal choice for gardeners who love rich, fiery colour and dramatic blooms. Whether planted in borders, patio pots, or cut for opulent spring bouquets, this variety will light up your garden with its warm, sunlit beauty.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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