So many tulips, so little time. Here are nine favorites to order now for a spring show in the gardne:
‘National Velvet’ Tulip
‘National Velvet’ belongs to the Triumph class of tulips, known for sturdy stems and cupped, chalice flowers. Blooming in mid-spring, Triumph tulips are workhorses in the garden and most will thrive in growing zones 3-7.; 25 bulbs for $17.75 from Brent and Becky’s Bulbs.
Analita Tulip
‘Mount Tacoma’ Tulip
Clusiana Tulip
One of the rarest tulip bulbs offered by Old House Gardens, delicate red and white Tulipa clusiana has a history dating back to 1607. But careful: “Although many sources offer this petite, charming wildflower, virtually all deliver cheap impostors such as hybrid ‘Lady Jane’ (oversized, and empty inside) or modern cream-to-yellow forms,” notes Old House Gardens.
If happy, it will naturalize and spread year after year. Hardy in growing zones from 6a to 8b (and to 10b on the West Coast), Clusiana bulbs are $22 for 5.
Aladdin Tulip
Estella Rijnveld Tulip
Sylvestris Tulip
With a fragrance that smells like violets, Tulipa Sylvestris is a wildflower. It dates to 1597, and later Thomas Jefferson grew it in the gardens at Monticello. It is hardy in growing zones from 5a to8a (and 8b on the West Coast; 10 bulbs for $17 from Old House Gardens.
Gavota Tulip
Princess Irene Tulip
N.B.: Placing your fall bulb order this week? (Better do it soon before the best are sold out?) See our recent posts:- Fall Bulbs 2017: The 9 Best Daffodils to Order Now.
- Garden Design 101: Bulbs & Tubers.
- Gardening 101: How to Draw a Garden Plan.
Interested in other bulbs and tubers for your garden or indoor space? Get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various bulbs and tubers with our Bulbs & Tubers: A Field Guide.
Finally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various perennial plants with our Perennials: A Field Guide.
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