Tulipa 'China Town'
viridiflora tulip bulbs
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or general purpose compost for containers
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
- Bulb size: 11/12
Soft pink petals, which become even paler at their outer edges, are punctuated with bold streaks of green through their centre. These flowers perch on upright stems above the attractively variegated foliage in late spring. The combination of handsome good looks as well as robust growth has won it a coveted Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
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