Tulip 'Artist'

Where to Plant:

This is a beautiful and unusual Viridiflora tulip, prized for its very long-lasting flowers. Each petal is a lovely blend of salmon-rose and apricot with a distinctive green flame running up the centre. Viridiflora tulips are known for being more reliably perennial than many other types. For the best performance, plant them in a sunny position in fertile, well-drained soil. They are an excellent choice for borders and look particularly striking in containers where their unique colouring can be appreciated up close.

How to Plant:

Tulip bulbs should be planted late in the autumn, ideally during October or November. This late planting helps to reduce the risk of the fungal disease, Tulip Fire. Dig a hole and plant each bulb at a depth of at least twice its own height, which is typically about 15cm (6 inches) deep. Deeper planting encourages the bulb to return in subsequent years. Ensure the pointed tip is facing upwards and space the bulbs about 10-15cm apart.

Aftercare:

To encourage the bulbs to perennialize, you must snap off the spent flower head after the petals have fallen, preventing it from making a seed pod. It is then essential to allow the foliage to die back completely, leaving it for at least six weeks after flowering before removing it. Feeding with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks during this period will also help to build up the bulb for next year's display.