Description
What is Tulip ‘Passion Blend’?
Tulip Passion Blend is a curated selection of striking tulips from the Liliaceae family, featuring a mix of bulbous perennials native to Central Asia. Blooming in rich shades of red, from deep to vibrant tones, with crisp white blooms, this blend creates a bold and dramatic spring display. Their elegant form and lush green foliage add depth to garden beds, borders, pots, and cut flower arrangements. Thriving in sunny, well-drained conditions, they are well-suited to regions with cold winters, mild springs, and dry summers, bringing warmth and vibrancy to any space.
Uses
This versatile blend thrives in beds, borders, pathways, pots, and containers, offering a seasonal burst of colour. Their striking blooms make excellent cut flowers, allowing you to bring the beauty of spring indoors. Whether planted in small urban spaces or larger landscapes, Tulip ‘Romantic Blend’ delivers an easy-to-grow, vibrant display.
Growing Tulips in Your Climate
Tulips can be grown in cool to subtropical climates but are best treated as annuals in warmer, humid regions. For best results, plant from March onwards, ideally around Mother’s Day in May when the soil is cooler. Tulips can be stored in a cool, dry place in cool climates, but in warmer climates, refrigeration (2–5°C) is essential to provide the winter chill needed for flowering. Keep bulbs away from ethylene-producing fruits.
Should I Naturalise or Replant Tulips Each Year?
The choice depends on your climate and soil conditions. Tulips can naturalise and rebloom in regions with cold winters, thriving in dry, shaded spots beneath deciduous trees, perennials, or mulch. In humid regions with wet summers, they are best treated as annuals. Where winters lack consistent chill, but summers are hot and dry, lift and store bulbs after dormancy, chilling them for 6–8 weeks before replanting.
Potted tulips are typically replaced yearly, as containers limit their ability to store enough energy for strong flowering. However, if you wish to save them, they can be planted in the ground the following year in cool to arid climates, where conditions allow them to regenerate. This is not recommended in humid regions, as the bulbs are unlikely to thrive.
Planting Tulips
- Location & Soil: Choose a sunny to partially shaded area with well-draining soil. Loosen soil to 20 cm and enrich with compost or well-rotted manure.
- Depth & Spacing: Plant 10 cm deep in cooler climates, or 15 cm (three times their height) in warmer regions, spaced 10–15 cm apart.
- Watering & Mulching: Water after planting to settle soil and encourage root growth. Maintain moist (not soggy) soil and mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
- Fertilising: Add compost when preparing soil. Use a liquid fertiliser as leaves emerge and a complete fertiliser, such as blood and bone, after flowering.
Note: Unseasonably warm weather or heavy rain may shorten the flowering period.
Pots & Containers
Tulips thrive in pots and containers, making them ideal for patios and balconies. Use a high-quality potting mix with compost in a container with drainage holes. Plant bulbs close together but not touching for a full display. Water regularly to maintain moist but well-drained soil.
Aftercare
- Foliage: Allow to die back naturally before cutting.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to redirect energy to the bulb.
- Watering: Reduce as foliage yellows and bulbs enter dormancy.
- Annual Use in Pots: Discard bulbs after flowering and refresh pots with new bulbs for the next season.
Division
To prevent overcrowding, divide bulbs every 3–5 years. Lift bulbs after foliage dies back, separate offsets, and store in a cool, dry place until replanting. Potted tulips are typically treated as annuals and don’t require division.
Pests & Diseases
- Pests: Protect against slugs, snails, and aphids with barriers or traps.
- Diseases: Prevent rot by planting in well-drained soil and removing infected plants.
Safety
Tulip bulbs are harmful if eaten. Keep out of reach of pets and children. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.
Supplied as dormant bulbs.