Head gardener's species tulip collection
tulip collection
Small in size but big on impact, this striking trio of compact tulips delivers bold colour contrast and star-like blooms ideal for sunny spring spots. Their slender, bicoloured petals – red on the outside and yellow or white within – create a dramatic effect as they open wide in sunlight and close when cloudy. Perfect for naturalistic planting, rockeries, or pots where space is limited but seasonal flair is needed.
How to care for Head gardener's species tulip collection:
Using fresh, good-quality compost, plant bulbs in pots from September to November. For borders, we advise waiting until after the first frosts (typically mid-October to early December depending on your location) to reduce the risk of potential disease such as Tulip Fire.
Plant bulbs 15-20cm (6-8in) deep and 10-15cm (4-6in) apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq or 60-75 bulbs per m². If you’re unable to plant your bulbs immediately, they can be stored in a cool environment with good air circulation. Remove all the packaging and place them in a loose-weave jute sack before labelling and hanging up in a dry, unheated garden shed or well-ventilated greenhouse.
In spring, when the plants are in active growth, apply a high-potash fertiliser (like Tomorite) each week until the leaves start to die back. Pinch off the spent flower heads as the petals fall, and let the stem and foliage die back naturally. The bulbs can then be lifted and discarded, or cleaned, dried and stored (as before) for replanting the following autumn.
Plant bulbs 15-20cm (6-8in) deep and 10-15cm (4-6in) apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq or 60-75 bulbs per m². If you’re unable to plant your bulbs immediately, they can be stored in a cool environment with good air circulation. Remove all the packaging and place them in a loose-weave jute sack before labelling and hanging up in a dry, unheated garden shed or well-ventilated greenhouse.
In spring, when the plants are in active growth, apply a high-potash fertiliser (like Tomorite) each week until the leaves start to die back. Pinch off the spent flower heads as the petals fall, and let the stem and foliage die back naturally. The bulbs can then be lifted and discarded, or cleaned, dried and stored (as before) for replanting the following autumn.
What's included:
In this combination you will receive the following:
7 × Tulipa clusiana var. chrysantha 'Tubergen's Gem': A compact, hardy species tulip with narrow, grey-green foliage and vivid, bicolour flowers that appear in mid-spring. Each bloom features bright yellow inner petals contrasted by deep red exteriors, creating strong visual impact when the flowers open fully in sun. Grows to 25cm.
5 × Tulipa 'Peppermintstick': When in bud, and only the red outermost edges of the petals can be seen, the flowers resemble flaming tapers. Then, when the flowers start to open, white becomes the most predominant colour, so when in full bloom (and viewed from above), they look like glowing stars. A very pretty addition to the spring garden, they are relatively compact, so will also do well in pots. Grows to 30cm.
7 × Tulipa 'Tinka': A compact clusiana-species tulip with vivid contrast, this hardy bulb produces narrow, pointed petals that are primrose yellow inside with deep red outer colouring. The striking bicolour display becomes more visible in sunshine, as the flowers open wide on bright days and stay closed when overcast. Grows to 25cm.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This bulb dies back after flowering each year and enters a period of rest ahead of regrowth the following season.
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Humans: Harmful if eaten; skin allergen; Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
1 × collection | 19 bulbs
£16.95
£0.89 each
Delivered during September
2 + 1 FREE collections | 57 bulbs
£33.90
£0.59 each
Delivered during September
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