Tulips that stole the show – the RHS People’s Choice winners

With entries sourced from UK bulb suppliers and specialist growers in the Netherlands, the 2026 Tulipa (tulip) trial brings together an impressive display of 92 distinct cultivars at RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey.

Focusing exclusively on Single Late, Viridiflora and Darwin Hybrid

A plant produced by crossing two distinct parents, often different species, to produce offspring that combine the characteristics of both. Hybrids can occur naturally, but crosses are often made deliberately by plant breeders to produce plants with better yield, improved flowering or vigour, or improved disease resistance.

tulips, the trial explores variations in height, colour clarity, petal markings and overall garden performance. These groups are valued for their strong stems, generous flowering and ability to extend the tulip season well into late spring.

Planted together, they created a striking late-spring display, uniting elegance, strength and lasting impact across borders, beds and large-scale planting.

Tulipa Single Late, Viridiflora and Darwin Hybrids trial

"This was our biggest tulip trial yet, and it was great to be able to showcase such a wide range of tulips to garden visitors. The inclusion of multi-headed tulips – featured here for the first time – generated particular interest, with many visitors intrigued by this distinctive type."

Karen Leonard, Trials Project Leader

RHS People’s Choice Winners

The RHS People’s Choice ran throughout April 2026, drawing a record total of 1,112 visitor votes, the highest number ever recorded for a tulip trial. Visitors were invited to select the tulips that most captured their imagination, whether through colour harmony, bold markings or overall garden impact.

First place

Tulipa ‘Flaming Memory’

A tall, elegant tulip reaching up to 70cm, with soft grey-green leaves and strong upright stems. From April to May it bears a single goblet-shaped flower, its feathered petals glowing in blends of pink, peach-orange and yellow.

Voters’ comments included: Spectacular-sized flowers, with a paintily coloured combination reminiscent of rhubarb-and-custard sweets.

Second place

Tulipa ‘Blushing Lady’

A refined perennial bulb reaching up to 65cm tall, with soft grey-green, lance-shaped leaves and elegant upright stems. Late to flower, it produces pointed, golden yellow blooms rich with rose-pink flames, adding a dramatic flourish to late spring borders.

Voters’ comments included: Eye-catching, huge, sculptural flowers with feathery edges and a stunning fruit salad colour combination. Big and blousy.

Third place

Tulipa ‘New Santa’

A compact perennial bulb growing to about 45cm tall, with soft grey-green, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are a deep, velvety red, each petal finished with dramatic, heavily fringed white edges for high contrast and texture.

Voters’ comments included: Unusually detailed and distinctive, striking colour contrast, red-and-white with a frosted, snow‑dipped look.

Please note: This fringed tulip was entered into the trial under the wrong name, so it really stood out from the other entries.

Fourth place

Tulipa ‘Purple Elegance’

A beautiful multi-flowered tulip producing 4 to 5 blooms per bulb on strong, upright stems. Each long-lasting flower is soft light purple delicately striped with white, reaching 40 to 50cm tall and ideal for beds, borders and containers.

Voters’ comments included: Abundance of flowers. Beautiful shades of purple and soft lilac. Multiple clusters of flowers and colours.

What visitors loved

Visitors were drawn to bright, vibrant colours and, in particular, tulips with striking colour mixes such as two-toned and blended flowers. Flowers with unusual or eye-catching petal shapes also stood out, drawing plenty of attention for their distinctive look.

Above all, it was the sense of impact that made the biggest difference. The tallest varieties, with their strong presence and dramatic height, consistently captured the most votes.

Tulips with different shaped flowers