Tulipa clusiana 'Cynthia'

species tulip

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: April - May
• Flower colour: red and yellow
• Other features: excellent in meadow planting
• Hardiness: fully hardy
• Bulb Size: 6+
  
  Often called 'Candlestick Tulips' because of their elegant shape and warm colour, these little tulips are more restrained than many of their big, blousey cousins. Introduced in 1959, Cynthia has tall, slender buds, which are softly striped with red and yellow. These buds usually appear quite early and the pointed petals open into flat yellow stars in Aprila and May. A winner of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it is great for adding colour to an alpine bed, or wild garden. Alternatively mass plant them in big quantities in pots for the patio.
  
  
• Garden care: In September to December plant bulbs 15-20cm deep and 10-15cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq. After flowering dead-head and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each week for the first month. Once the foliage has died down naturally lift the bulbs and store in a cool greenhouse.