Tulip

In mid- to late spring, cup-shaped flowers rise on single stems above wide strap-like green or green-grey leaves. Flowers stalks emerge from cream-white bulbs covered by a papery brown skin.

Tulips grow well in soil rich in organic matter. They like a cool moist conditions in spring, with a dry warm summer conditions for their summer 'rest' (dormancy). Most grow in an open position full sun, although some tolerate part-shade.

Tulips like good drainage, so don't do well on very heavy clay soils where bulbs may rot if the ground becomes waterlogged.

The species tulip, Tulipa sprengeri, was first introduced to cultivation in Turkey in the nineteenth century. Sadly, it is now extinct in the wild but still thrives in gardens, naturalising in part-shade on moisture-retentive soils.