This information is provided as a free service to viewers. We do not sell these plants.
Overview
The goblet-shaped flowers of the tulip appear in Spring . They rise above the sword-shaped foliage and are extremely elegant. They come in numerous varieties with single or several flowers to a stem. They are sold by colour, type or name. Ideally they require a cold climate or will only flower for one year.
Soil: Rich, alkaline, well drained soil
Maintenance: In warm climates bulbs must be planted anew each year. Apply blood & bone when buds appear. Allow foliage to die down before lifting bulbs to store
Diseases: Fungal disease - tulip fire,Tulip virus and aphids which spread it. Watch for snails
Toxicity: The foliage, stems, roots and berries are all toxic, and in particular the bulbs contain the greatest amount of (tulipalin) toxic chemicals.
Other Species: More than 100 other species
Comments: The Tulip first came to Europe from Turkey to Austria in the 16th century. They soon found their way to Holland where a botanist successfully grew them in the much colder European climate at the University of Leiden.
Tulips soon became hugely popular, being unlike any other garden flower and in the early 17th century Dutch merchants built vast wealth by breeding tulips and exporting them around the world.
Today the Dutch bulb industry celebrates and promotes itself at Keukenhof near Lisse, around 30 mins drive out of Amsterdam. This vast estate that once belonged to a crazy Dutch Queen has now been transformed into the most spectacular showcase for Dutch horticulture and in particular the Tulip.
No matter how many stunning photographs you look at, you'll never really appreciate the mind boggling and stunning beauty of this place unless you make a visit. But for those who can't get to Holland - just click in the main menu above on Inspiration>Select Netherlands>Hit Search>
Author: Bob Saunders.