Tulip Bulbs - the choice is endless!

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Well, I was supposed to go and do a pruning/weeding session today but as the weather progreesively got damper and darker, I rearranged for friday. Instead, I went to look at Tulip bulbs for some of my clients…

I bought some old favourites – “Orange Emperor” and “Negrita” – gorgeous planted together, then I found some “Passionale” which I have not grown before. Similar to Negrita, but not quite as dark a purple/magenta with a lovely classic tulip shape. Then I found some more orange called “Daydream” – taller than orange emp, at 22", so will look good with the Negrita.

Apricot Dream is another old fav of mine, which also looks great with purple and/or orange, so got loads of those.

Then I got caught by the yellows – “Golden Apledoorn” ,"Yokahama (new to me) and "Golden Emperor (also new to me) . I hardly ever plant yellow in any of my client’s gardens as I think most people are afraid that it will look vulgar! I think I will be sneaking a few in this year. They look great with alliums. As for me, well, my favourite combo is red and yellow tulips planted together, or tulips that are red and yellow on the same flower – “Gavota” is amazing and I can’t wait to see it next year.

I ended up spending £70 quid but got over 200 bulbs so that will keep me busy (YAY) but not until next month as I really don’t think tulip bulbs do well if planted when the soil is warm and wet. They get going too early and then suffer when the cold sets in.

By the way, I confess that despite telling myself NOT to buy too many bulbs for myself, I did spend £8.00 on a mere 12 bulbs of a variety called “Akebono” which is a beautiful early double in an unusual shade of primrose yellow. flushed with green and hints of red.

• 24 Sep, 2008
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