The vibrant annual tulip display at the Denver Botanic Gardens will not bloom this year, and its return is unlikely until spring 2029. The decision comes after a severe outbreak of “tulip fire,” a fungal disease that affects tulip bulbs.

Tulip Fire Causes Cancellation

According to Gardens spokeswoman Erin Bird, tulip fire spreads through spores in the soil, causing tulips to wilt and die. Horticulturalists typically rotate tulip varieties every other year to maintain a diverse display, but in 2024 and 2025, they noticed a significant decline in tulip health. Some bulbs failed to bloom altogether.

Source of the Blight

The Gardens suspect the blight originated from a shipment of bulbs received in the fall of 2023 from a European vendor. While tulip fire doesn’t spread through the air or affect other flower species, it has necessitated a significant change to the annuals garden’s spring display.

Alternative Blooms on Display

Instead of tulips, the annuals garden is currently showcasing thousands of daffodils, hyacinths, and lilies, which are currently in full bloom. Smaller tulip displays located elsewhere in the Gardens, which are not rotated as frequently, were not affected by the outbreak.

Long-Term Recovery Plan

Plant and soil experts recommend a three-year waiting period before replanting in areas affected by tulip blight, even with soil replacement. Consequently, the Denver Botanic Gardens will not replant tulip bulbs in the annuals garden until the fall of 2028, anticipating blooms in the spring of 2029.

Visitor Response and Other Spring Blooms

Bird noted a wave of disappointment from visitors regarding the cancellation, particularly on social media. However, she emphasized that the Gardens offer many other attractions currently in peak bloom, including lilacs and peonies. “It has been a really unique spring,” Bird said, “You get to see everything in its peak all at once.”