Potential tulips (5)
I believe the answer is:
bulbs
'potential tulips' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for bulbs that I've seen before include "Underground organs of such as tulips" , "Electric lights" , "Lamps -- daffodils" , "Eg, daffodils, tulips" .)