Tulipiere

If you’re looking for a beautiful, easy, and interesting way to arrange flowers, look no further than a Tulipiere. In this post, I’m explaining what it is, where to get one, and how to use it.

Several weeks ago on Instagram, I shared a look into a cabinet I have in my dining room. The cabinet holds a collection of white serving pieces and vases. Among that mix is an odd-looking piece with several spouts on top. It’s been in my collection for years, and while I never thought much about it, many of my followers asked about this peculiar-looking piece.

What is it you ask? A tulipiere!

What is a Tulipiere?

So you’re probably wondering, what is a tulipiere? In simplest terms, it’s a vase for tulips.

They were invented back in Holland back in the 1600s. At that point in time tulips were considered very precious and thus expensive and valuable. They became a status symbol. The tulipiere was created with numerous holes or short spouts and a central water source and was used to display flowers. Experts vary in opinion on how they were originally used. Some sources say the spouts were used to hold actual flowering bulbs such as tulip, hyacinth, crocus, etc., while other sources say the spouts were designed to hold single blooms.

In my personal experience I’ve never used them to hold a bulb, but find them to be a beautiful vessel for holding many single blossoms.

Originally, tulipieres varied in size from petite to tall pyramids that would actually sit on the floor. While you can still purchase a variety of shapes and sizes, most of the ones that I have seen are smaller, tabletop varieties.

Oh, and if you’re wondering how to pronounce “tulipiere”, there’s a great pronunciation HERE.

Why You’ll Love a Tulipiere

• While they were originally crafted for tulips, there’s no rule that says you can’t get creative. Throw in some daisies, roses, or any flower that makes your heart flutter. Your tulipiere is ready to showcase them in style.
• Trust me on this one; a tulipiere is like that statement necklace for your living room. It’s a conversation starter and adds a touch of sophistication without trying too hard. Plus, there’s something genuinely magical about watching individual stems stand tall and proud, bringing life and vibrancy into a space.
• If the idea of flower arranging seems a bit daunting, the tulipiere is your new best friend. Each stem has its own spot, making it a breeze to create a display that looks like you’ve spent hours on it. Your secret’s safe with me!

Where to Buy

If you’re looking for the most traditional variety, you’ll want Delftware or Delft pottery (also known as Delft Blue). These are made in Delft, Holland.

However, I’ve seen similar tulip vases sold in a variety of places. Throughout this post, I’ve linked the specific vases that I own. I’ve also shared a list of other options toward the end of this post.

My first recommendation is to visit the Heinen Delfts Blauw store on Etsy. (Be sure to note the available discount code below before ordering.) These tulipieres are my personal favorites. While I prefer the solid white varieties, the traditional blue and white ones are available too.

Some of my favorites are Heinen Delfts Blauw are:

• Round Tulipiere with 7 Spouts
• Three-Piece Pyramid Tulipeire 
• Cylinder Vase with 7 Spouts

More Places to Shop

• Antique Stores: If you’re on the hunt for something with a touch of history and charm, antique stores can be your goldmine. You might just stumble upon a vintage piece that carries tales from the past.
• Ceramic Boutiques: Many ceramicists and pottery shops have embraced the age-old tulipiere design, giving it a modern twist. Check out local ceramic boutiques or artists’ studios for unique, handcrafted pieces.
• Online Marketplaces: Websites like Etsy, eBay, and even Amazon have a range of tulipieres – from antiques to modern designs. Just make sure to read the reviews and descriptions to ensure you’re getting a quality piece.
• Home Decor Retailers: Many mainstream home decor shops have started to stock tulipieres due to their rising popularity. Stores like Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, or West Elm might just have the chic design you’re looking for.
• Specialty Flower Shops: Some upscale flower boutiques and florists carry tulipieres, especially around spring when tulips are in full bloom.

What Flowers Can I Use in a Tulipiere?

While the tulipiere, by name, might make you think it’s exclusively for tulips, let me tell you, this vase isn’t picky. It’s all about giving your favorite flowers their own spotlight, making your decor pop. So, if you’re curious about which blooms to house in this elegant piece, let’s chat about it.

• Tulips (obviously): Okay, we have to start with the classic, right? Tulips in a tulipiere look graceful, and the vase allows each stem to shine individually.
• Daffodils: With their radiant yellow hues and perky blooms, daffodils stand out beautifully. They’re like little sunshines in vase form!
• Freesias: Known for their sweet fragrance and vivid colors, freesias can add a touch of luxury to any room.
• Ranunculus: With their layer upon layer of delicate petals, ranunculus blooms are like little works of art. They’re sure to make a statement in your tulipiere.
• Lavender: Want to add a touch of calm to your space? The slender lavender stems not only look serene but they also bring that soothing scent.
• Snapdragons: Tall and elegant, snapdragons offer a cascade of color and truly live up to their whimsical name when displayed in a tulipiere.
• Long-stem Roses: For a more classic and romantic vibe, few things beat the beauty of roses. Just ensure you trim them to the right height!

Feel free to mix and match, or even go monochrome with your flower choices. Remember, your tulipiere is all about showcasing beauty, so pick the blooms that speak to you.

Here is how I used one of the  Heinen Delfts Blauw tulipieres to style a variety of flowers and blooms. There’s not a tulip in sight and yet I think it looks lovely!

How to Use

It’s really very simple to use a tulipiere. I’ll walk you through the steps.

1. Clean & Prep: Give your tulipiere a gentle wash. Choose and trim your flowers, removing submerged leaves.
2. Water Up: Fill with fresh water. Add flower food if you have it.
3. Arrange: Start with larger blooms in central holes, then add secondary flowers for depth.
4. Position: Place in a cool, draft-free spot away from direct sunlight.
5. Maintain: Change water and trim stems every couple of days for lasting freshness.

It is a personal preference, but I like to keep my stems pretty short. The smaller the vase the shorter the stem is my rule of thumb. However, I have seen these styled with long tulip stems for a more wild look. Do what pleases your eye!

You can reference some of the photos I’ve shared in this post for examples of how I like to style my floral arrangements.

Depending on the thickness of your stem and opening of the spout, you can typically fit 1-2 stems per spout. When it comes to tulips, which have a thicker stem, all you really need is one per spout. However, I personally like a fuller look so I will often tuck two into a few of the spouts.

How To Keep Your Flowers Fresh

So you’ve got that stunning tulipiere, and you’ve picked out the perfect flowers to display. Now, the million-dollar question: how do you keep those blooms looking fresh and fabulous for as long as possible? Well, you’re in luck, because I’ve got the lowdown for you.

• Clean Water is Key: Always start with fresh, clean water for your flowers. And here’s a pro-tip: change that water every couple of days. Stagnant water is a big no-no for keeping flowers lively.
• Trim, Trim, Trim: Before placing your flowers in the tulipiere, give the stems a good trim. Cut about an inch off, and always at an angle. This helps the flowers soak up more water. Remember to repeat this every few days.
• Keep ‘Em Cool: Flowers are like us on a hot summer day; they prefer the shade! Keep your tulipiere away from direct sunlight, radiators, and other heat sources. A cool, draft-free spot is just perfect.
• Avoid Fruit: It might sound odd, but keep your tulipiere away from fruit bowls. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which can reduce the lifespan of your flowers.
• Food for Thought: Consider using flower food. Those little packets that come with bouquets? They’re not just for show. They help nourish the flowers and fight off bacteria in the water.
• Clean Your Tulipiere: Before you put in a fresh batch of flowers, make sure to give your tulipiere a good clean to get rid of any lingering bacteria. A mild detergent and warm water will do the trick.
• Prune as Needed: If any of the flowers start to wilt or brown, remove them from the tulipiere. This not only keeps the arrangement looking fresh but also ensures that decaying flowers don’t affect the healthier ones.

As with any fresh-cut flowers, I recommend changing the water and recutting the stems every other day. This will give your arrangement the longest life.

With very few styling skills required, it’s a really simple way to get a beautiful flower arrangement.

I hope you learned something new today or just have a new appreciation for these beautiful and functional pieces of pottery.

Have more questions about tulipieres? Let me know in the comments below.

More Flower Arranging Advice You’ll Love

• Tips for Beautiful Fall Flower Arrangements
• DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings
• How to Arrange Tulips
• How to Create Peony Arrangements
• Modern Flower Arrangements

Want more from Inspired by Charm? Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!