Plant of the Month: March

Tulipa humilis Violacea Group Common name: Tulip Family: Liliaceae Vital statistics Height and spread: 20cm (8in) tall Form: Bulbous perennial Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil. Aspect: Full sun Hardiness: Fully hardy.

Tulipa humilis Violacea Group @ Harlow Carr

150 bulbs of this tulip were planted and, because of its deep colouring, made a splendid display during early spring. They can be found located in the Grasses and Perennial border situated opposite the Alpine Landscape House. A number of species tulips are planted here. Once flowering has finished the grasses and herbaceous perennials take over to give displays of flower and foliage for the rest of the year. The border is then cut down towards the end of January/early February.

Tulipa

There are about 100 different species of tulip, from an area running roughly from Central Asia to North Africa. Some species are cultivated on a modest level, and most are interesting only to certain tulip enthusiasts. Others, though, are attractive to the ordinary garden owner.

The name tulip is from the Turkish word turbend, meaning turban. They were thought to look like turbans and were worn in the men's headwear.

The garden tulip was introduced into Europe in the 1500s. In the 1630's 'tulipmania' took over in the Netherlands. They were seen as status symbols and as demand rose, people began to speculate with them, buying and selling the bulbs at very high prices. The trend declined rapidly after February 3rd 1637, when for the first time, a collection of very exclusive tulips remained unsold. Other cases followed and the speculative bubble quickly burst.

Tulipa humilis

For horticultural purposes tulips are classed in divisions. This tulip belongs to division 15 - a miscellaneous category of species, cultivars and hybrids. It is a small tulip from Turkey, Iran, Iraq and surrounding regions. It attains a height of 20cm (8in) and its flowers are pale purplish pink, often tinted green, with blue-black or olive green basal markings.

This is one of the few tulips from this division for which a considerable number of cultivated forms are known. It is one of the lowest-growing tulips known ('humilis' means 'low'). Its narrow leaves often have a red edging, and its a perfect little tulip for the rock garden.

Tulipa humilis Violacea Group

T. humilis Violacea Group has 2-5 slim lance shaped, grey-green leaves. It bears star shaped, violet purple flowers with dark blue, black, or yellow basal markings.

Violacea Group are strong growers and they naturalize very well.

For best effect, plant the bulbs en masse in rock gardens, raised beds, containers and pots. It is also known as Tulipa pulchella 'Violacea'.

Cultivation

All tulips prefer a sunny position in the garden in fertile sandy, slightly alkaline soil. In this type of soil the bulbs can be left in all year round. They need to be kept dry during dormancy in summer.

In cool areas of poor drainage it is best practice if the bulbs are lifted once the foliage has died down and stored each year and then replanted each autumn. If pot bought from the garden centre can be planted when in colour.

Double digging is recommended to prevent attacks of Botrytis tulipae.

After flowering the bulbs need moisture for at least six weeks when new bulbs are formed. These dwarf tulips are especially well suited to the rock garden. All can be grown in pots in a cool glasshouse or bulb frame.

Propagation

Propagation is by division of bulbs in the autumn, or for the species types seed sown in spring or autumn.

Planting depth and distance 5cm (2in) in autumn.