Tulip Bulbs – ‘Red Emperor’

Also known as ‘Madame Lefeber’, this classic Fosteriana tulip produces enormous, brilliant scarlet-red blooms with contrasting black and yellow centres. The broad, cup-shaped flowers open wide in the sunshine, creating a dramatic display above attractive green foliage.

Flowering in early to mid-spring, ‘Red Emperor’ is a reliable favourite for adding vibrant colour to garden beds, borders, and containers. Its sturdy stems and impressive blooms also make it an excellent choice for fresh-cut arrangements.

Why You'll Like It

Brilliant Red Blooms: Large, fiery scarlet flowers create a bold and eye-catching spring display.

Dramatic Centres: Contrasting black and yellow markings add depth and visual interest to each bloom.

Impressive Flower Size: Broad, cup-shaped flowers open wide in the sunlight for maximum impact.

Naturalizing Potential: A hardy Fosteriana tulip that can return in subsequent seasons under suitable growing conditions.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Tulipa fosteriana ‘Red Emperor’
Common Name: Red Emperor, Madame Lefeber Tulip
Plant Type: Spring-flowering perennial bulb
Flower Colour: Brilliant scarlet red with black and yellow centres
Flower Type: Large, single, cup-shaped blooms
Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring
Established Height: Approximately 35–45 cm (14–18 inches)
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Planting Depth: Approximately 6 inches (15 cm)
Plant Spacing: Approximately 4–6 inches apart
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
Maintenance Level: Low
Frost Tolerance: Hardy; requires winter chilling
Pet Friendly: No; tulips are toxic if ingested, particularly the bulbs

Growing Information

Light Requirements: Plant in full sun for the best flowering and strongest stems. Partial shade is also suitable.

Watering: Water after planting and during active growth as needed. Avoid waterlogged soil, which can cause bulbs to rot.

Planting: Plant bulbs in fall, pointed end up, approximately 6 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart.

Maintenance: Remove faded flowers after blooming and allow foliage to yellow naturally so the bulbs can replenish their energy.

Long-Term Care: Provide good drainage and allow foliage to die back completely before removing it. Fosteriana tulips may return and naturalize over time in favourable conditions.

Great For

Spring Garden Beds • Garden Borders • Patio Containers • Mass Plantings • Fresh-Cut Bouquets • Bold Seasonal Displays

Bring powerful colour and classic spring beauty to your garden with the spectacular red blooms of ‘Red Emperor’.