Tulips are said to signal the arrival of spring so it’s no wonder the humble tulip is a real symbol of the season. Widely available from December to April, these cheerful flowers never fail to brighten up the home or garden.
Dispite popular belief Tulips do not originate from Holland but instead they actually come from Central Asia. Originally from Persia and Turkey, tulips were brought to Europe in the 16th century, where the flower earned its name due to its resemblance to a turban (tülbend in Turkish).
Scientific Name: Tulipa
Family: Lilaceae
Availability: October- June, peaks December-April. Some limited availability ou
The 'Bridal Kisses' collection is an aptly named collection of exquisite 'Peggy Wonder' tulips that are a feast for the eyes with their incredible flowers. Unusually for a tulip, each stem carries more than one flower. Beginning as large, globe shaped green buds, they open to a sumptuous mixture of pink, green and mauve on the outside, with shades of pink on the inside that fade to almost white towards the centre. The petals are wonderfully ruffled, and the double flowers are so large that they have to be seen to be believed. This extraordinary tulip will amaze all who see it. Once open, the flowers are long lasting, and the relatively compact size makes them ideal for growing in planters and window boxes as well as in spring borders. They are also excellent cut flowers and make stunning indoor displays and bouquets, and they are particularly popular with brides. Supplied as 5 bulbs, size 11/12, ready to plant in autumn, growing to a height of 30 cm (1 ft) and width of 10 cm (4 in).
'ChouChou' is a collection of the recently introduced 'Curiosity' tulips, an extremely attractive bicoloured variety with flowers that change colour as they age. It is a Triumph tulip, a cross between two exceptional and successful varieties, Single Early and Darwin. The result is a range of outstanding, robust tulips in a range of fabulous colours. The large, ivory white blooms emerge with bright magenta edged petals. As they age the edges broaden until almost the entire flower has turned to rich, vibrant pink that looks spectacular against to long, sword shaped leaves. They will thrive in sun or partial shade, and are ideal in large planters or in flower borders, especially in large groups, and the long, straight stems make them wonderful for cutting for indoor displays. Tulips are very easy to grow and care for and can be left in the ground after flowering as long as it's well drained, so you'll get another wonderful display the following year as they slowly naturalise and spread, or they can be dug up and stored over winter before replanting the following spring. Supplied as 10 bulbs, size 11/12, ready to plant in autumn, growing to a height of 45 cm (18 in) and width of 15 cm (6 in).
For an elegant spring display, look no further than Tulip ?Cream Cocktail?. The classically shaped blooms are creamy white with a refined, pale gold flame to each petal.
Tulip and Muscari 'Purple Rain Mix' brings an opulent, professional display to your spring garden. Plant them en masse and enjoy the sight of purple and mauve Tulips peeping through a carpet of blue Muscari. Perfect for filling beds and containers with a colour coordinated display.
This wonderful Peony Tulip has huge violet-purple blooms which open early and last longer than many other varieties. Plant tulips in groups and delight as they open to reveal their superb colouring. Why not cut some for a flower arrangement so that you can enjoy them indoors too!
This outstanding variety of Triumph tulip has a typical goblet shaped bloom, deep burgundy with a copper edge that will slowly fade to silver as the flower matures. Perfect for impact planting and also for the cut flower garden too!
These terrific tulip flowers make a wonderful splash of colour in March-April and their frosted, frilly-edged petals are an extra treat! The dark ?black cherry' petals of ?Gorilla' are a fascinating contrast to the frosted mauves of ?Cummins'. Ideal in patio containers or grouped in a border. Ht. 40cm. Supplied as bulbs.Useful links:How to plant bulbs, corms and tubersUseful links:How to plant bulbs, corms and tubers
The irresistible charms of Tulip 'Floresta' are sure to win your heart! This red and white striped beauty produces multiple blooms per bulb for a generous display of spring colour.