Tulip 'Persian Pearl'

10 bulbs
£8.89
£0.89 each
30 bulbs
£10.49
£0.35 each
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Persian Pearl' is a selection of Tulipa pulchella var. violacea, a wild species native to the rocky mountainsides of Iran and Turkey. Its gem-like appearance is a direct link to the wild, rugged beauty of its origins.

A true jewel for the very early spring garden, 'Persian Pearl' is a breathtaking botanical tulip that shines with iridescent colour. The blooms are a stunning, luminous magenta-purple on the outside, with a silvery sheen that catches the light. When the elegant, chalice-shaped flowers open wide in the sun, they reveal a brilliant surprise: a rich, buttercup-yellow heart that creates a dazzling contrast with the vibrant petals. This little gem is one of the first tulips to emerge, often blooming alongside crocuses and snowdrops. Held on short, sturdy stems, it's perfectly suited to withstand early spring weather. 'Persian Pearl' is an excellent perennialiser, returning reliably year after year and gradually spreading to form a precious carpet of vibrant, jewel-toned colour.

Botanical name Tulipa 'Persian Pearl'
Flower colour Magenta-purple with a yellow base
Bulb size 6/7 cm
Established height 10-15 cm
Established spread 8 cm
Plant spacing 200 bulbs per m²
Leaf colour Grey-green
Habit Clump-forming
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully hardy
Years to establish 1st year
Sunlight Full sun
Position Sheltered or Exposed
Suitable for Rock gardens, Pots, Front of borders, Alpine troughs
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Well-drained
Soil type Loam, Sandy, Chalky
RHS Award (AGM) Yes
Growing skill Easy to grow
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant No

Where to Plant:

This is a beautiful and reliable species tulip (Tulipa pulchella), producing jewel-like flowers of a rich purplish-magenta that open wide in the sun to reveal a lemon-yellow base. As a dwarf variety, it is perfect for the front of a sunny border, a rockery, or a gravel garden where it will naturalise happily. It absolutely must have a position in full sun, as the flowers will not open without it, and requires very well-drained, gritty soil to thrive year after year.

How to Plant:

The small bulbs should be planted in the autumn, from September to November. Dig a hole and plant each bulb at a depth of about 10cm (4 inches), with the pointed tip facing upwards. They are most effective when planted in generous, dense clumps rather than being scattered singly, as this creates a beautiful carpet of colour when the starry flowers open together. Space the bulbs about 8-10cm apart.

Aftercare:

This is a very low-maintenance and rewarding tulip that will reliably multiply and return year after year with minimum fuss, provided it has a sunny, well-drained spot. There is no need to deadhead the flowers. You must allow the narrow, strappy foliage to die back completely on its own before removing it. A good baking in the sun during their summer dormancy is all they need to ensure a good show the following spring.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

RHS Award (AGM)

Perfect for pots

Naturalising

£8.89

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