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Overview
These hybrids (from the Tulipa fosteriana species) has open faced blooms with fragranced and pointed petals which make it ideal for bouquets.
As with most tulips, this particularly vigorous type are best planted en masse in long drifts for best effect.
Soil: Well drained soils are vital, as are cold winters for these bulbs to keep producing year after year.
Maintenance: 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.
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.