Return of the Tulips

Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s iconic spring display of tulips is back in the Annual Border, lighting up Lily Pool Terrace with a kaleidoscopic variety of colors, patterns, and shapes. Be sure to check them out if you haven’t yet!

This year’s display marks the tulips' return following a three-year absence. In 2019 the Garden’s tulips were discovered to be infected with tulip fire, a persistent soil-borne fungal disease that produces brown spots and scorched-looking leaves. The best fix, says Rowan Blaik, vice president of horticulture, is to remove the plants and refrain from planting them for at least three years.

The aim for this year’s comeback display was to present a full spectrum of shapes and colors in a rainbow-like design, says gardener Wayken Shaw, who curates the Annual Border. Look closely to take in exquisite details, from the frayed edges of Tulipa ‘Honeymoon’ to the ruffled extravagance of cultivars like Tulipa ‘Blue Wow’:

Beyond the Annual Border, this spring tulips can be found throughout the Garden, including in the Shakespeare and Osborne Gardens.