Cottage garden tulips flowering in May
Here are my cottage garden tulips from last May reminding me that it is always worth the effort.
First here is an overall pic of the front
Front garden path
and here is the back.
Back garden this weekend
Both have tulips in the borders and in pots.
Species tulips
Tulip hageri “Little Beauty”
This is a tiny species tulip, meaning an old type growing naturally in the wild. They are small and spindly but beautiful and should increase over the years if left in the ground.
Parrot tulips
Apricot Parrot tulip (I think)
This is a parrot tulip. I had several varieties and am not sure which one is which. They’re huge, exotic and feel rubbery. Best grown in a pot.
This is Artist, from Sarah Raven
If I plant 10 in a pot I can cut 2 for a vase and still have a pot of 8.
Merlot is a wine glass shape and pinky purple
Tulips as annuals
Tulips don’t reliably flower again next year so I treat them as an annual display and pull them out when they’re over. I give healthy bulbs to other people and bin the mushy ones.
You can buy relatively cheaply from wholesalers such as Peter Nyssen, and Gee Tee Bulbs, More expensive are Sarah Raven, Bloms and Avon bulbs among others.
Peony flowered tulip Orange Princess
Orange Princess flowers are like peonies and look fabulous in a vase.
Lily flowered tulips
Lastly here is the incredibly popular lily flowered tulip Ballerina. These have kept going better than most others in the garden. They shine in the sun and they smell of orange sherbet. They are popular for a very good reason and are cheap to buy in bulk.
Lily flowered tulip Ballerina
I recommend buying mail order as the best way to choose and buy. See my previous post here
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