Tulipa Ice Age - Double Late Tulip

The Double Late Tulip 'Ice Age' is an exceptional variety from the peony-flowered tulips group, prized for its large, double, pale pink corollas finely veined with green. The petals are dark when they first emerge and lighter as they open. Its elegant habit makes it an ideal candidate for flowerbeds, borders, or pot arrangements. It blooms in late spring, bringing a fresh and sophisticated touch to spring displays. Easy to grow, care should be taken to avoid excessive winter moisture, which could harm the longevity of the bulbs.

The Double Late Tulip 'Ice Age' belongs to the Liliaceae family, division 11 of double late-flowering tulips (or peony-flowered tulips). This cultivar was introduced in 2008, with dense, fully double flowers reminiscent of peonies, surpassing the typical species Tulipa gesneriana in opulence and vase life. With an upright habit on sturdy stems reaching about 45 cm in height when planted in the ground, it develops with rapid growth in spring after winter cold. The flowers are exceptionally voluminous: double corollas, up to 10 cm wide, with tightly packed petals, ruffled and spiralled, offering a very dense and silky visual effect. Their colour is a delicate pink veined with green. Flowering occurs late, in May. The foliage is lanceolate, medium green, disappearing after flowering; the stem is robust, ensuring good flower posture. The typical tulip root system consists of a bulb 5–6 cm in diameter, with an initial taproot followed by fasciculate secondary roots.

In a structured yet tender composition, the 'Ice Age' tulip stands out as a late-season highlight, its powdery pink veined with green evoking the blooms of a miniature peony. It integrates rhythmically at the base of silvery-grey foliage like that of artemisia, or mingled with the white bells of 'Thalia' daffodils or the 'Angelique' tulips, creating a pastel harmony softened by May light. It also subtly complements the 'Green Spirit' tulip to extend its green-veined motif, or contrasts with the depth of 'Diamant Bleu'. In pots, it almost stands alone, as its floral volume fills the space with quiet generosity.