Make sure you check out our flower 101 tips, but here are some additional bits of information about tulips:
- Tulips are phototropic - they move and bend in response to sunlight
- Tulips also continue to grow up to 20 cm / 7.5 inches in the vase
- Both of these factors can cause tulips to look droopy and bent over, but it does not mean that they are in bad shape or dying.
Tulips, specifically specialty varieties like double and parrot tulips can become top heavy and bend over as they hydrate. If you’ve ever seen a still life painting by one of the Dutch masters, you’ll see just that. But the good news is that you can intervene. If you’re having trouble with your tulips because they’re looking peaked or bent over, here's what to try!
- Remove all lower leaves
- Shorten (re-cut) stems several inches
- Place tulips in a bright spot to rehydrate and perk up
- These tulips are cut fresh for your bouquet so when removing leaves, some residual dirt from growing out of the ground is normal
Bear in mind that, for these flowers, movement and development is normal! It’s all part of their charm.