Royal tulip collection
tulip collection
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or general purpose potting compost for containers
- Flowering period: April to May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
To make sure we have the best range of spring-flowering bulbs, our buyers take several trips each year to the bulb fields in Holland. This gives them a chance to see new varieties as well as re-visit the old favourites. The three tulips in this collection were chosen because they look so fabulous planted together - and all three will do well in pots.
In each collection you will receive 10 bulbs of each of the following:
- Tulipa 'Prinses Irene'
Named after a Dutch princess, this variety has stood the test of time, having been first introduced in 1949. It has pale orange petals that are flushed with purple and are sweetly scented. Their short, sturdy stems make them ideal for growing in windy or exposed positions and they are rarely flattened by spring downpours. Grows to 30cm tall. - Tulipa 'Princesse Charmante': Bred in 1965, this is certainly a charmer. Like many other tulips in the greigii group, the leaves are slightly and attractively mottled with maroon. The simmering red and orange flowers appear in March or April, providing a bold blast of colour for the front of the border, rockery or pot. A relatively short tulip, the flowers none the less are large, showy and make excellent cut flowers. Grows to 30cm tall.
- Tulipa 'Purple Prince'
Glorious purple flowers, which have a lilac flush on the outer edges of the petals, open as they mature to reveal a dark interior with a golden yellow eye. Held on stout stems above the grey-green foliage, they stand up well to poor weather and make excellent cut flowers. Suitable for planting with most shades of pink, blue, lilac or even reds and oranges. Grows to 45cm tall.
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.
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.
- Humans: Harmful if eaten; skin allergen; Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten