Tulips — A spring favourite available in a stunning range of colours, shapes and forms, from classic to double, fringed, lily-flowered and Parrot types. Perfect for garden beds, borders, pots and containers, they create spectacular displays and make excellent cut flowers.

Tulip Columbus                                                                                                                                             

Botanical Name: Tulipa hybrida

Position: Full sun to part shade. Choose a sheltered position protected from strong winds. In warmer climates, morning sun and afternoon protection are beneficial.

Climate: Best suited to cool, temperate and Mediterranean climates. In warmer regions, pre-chilling bulbs before planting can improve flowering.

Planting Time: Late autumn to early winter.

Watering: Water thoroughly after planting, then keep soil lightly moist while actively growing and flowering. Avoid waterlogging.

Flowering Time: Late winter to late spring, depending on variety and climate.

Fertilising: Apply a balanced fertiliser or bulb food at planting and again when growth appears. A further feed after flowering can encourage healthy bulb development.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid heavy or poorly drained soils.

Pests: Protect emerging shoots and flowers from snails and slugs. Good drainage helps prevent bulb rot.

Growing Tips: Plant bulbs with the pointed end facing upwards at the recommended depth. Plant in groups for the best display. Remove spent flowers after flowering but allow foliage to die back naturally before removing it. In warmer climates, lift and store bulbs once the foliage has completely died back, or use fresh bulbs each season.

Tulip Types: Choose from a wide range of forms, each offering a different garden effect:

• Triumph — Classic, versatile cup-shaped flowers on strong stems; excellent for beds, borders, pots and cutting.
• Darwin Hybrid — Large, brilliantly coloured flowers on tall, strong stems; ideal for bold mass displays and cut flowers.
• Single Early — Compact, sturdy and early flowering; well suited to pots, containers and exposed positions.
• Double Early — Full, peony-like blooms on shorter stems; excellent for pots, borders and mass plantings.
• Fringed — Elegant flowers with finely fringed, crystal-like petal edges; ideal for adding texture and interest.
• Lily-Flowered — Slender, pointed petals that curve outward to create an elegant lily-like shape; beautiful in borders and arrangements.
• Parrot — Large, flamboyant blooms with deeply cut, twisted and ruffled petals, often featuring multiple colours; a striking statement variety.
• Double Late — Large, densely layered, peony-like flowers that provide a luxurious late-spring display; best in sheltered positions.