Clearing up confusion ... pt 4

Think Tulips are just for one year?

Again it depends on the variety. Many of the taller Tulips will actually flower for many years - look for varieties in the Darwin or Emperor families.

Others can have their flowering life extended by you digging them up every year and storing the bulbs until the autumn (this is much less effort to do with those you have grown in containers).

Easier yet are the dwarf Tulips, such as ‘Pinocchio’ and 'Red Riding Hood' which reliably flower year after year. Most are of the Greigii and Kaufamanniana families. The very low growing wildflower Tulips, such as ‘Tarda’ will even increase in number over time!

The best month for planting them is November but there is plenty of leeway.