Lily Tulip 'Inimitable'

Golden yellow gorgeousness. Lily Tulips are lovely and curvaceous blooms. The slim lined flowers are extremely elegant with the tips of the petals gently arching outwards. Lily Tulips are terrific blended with more traditional shapes.

A top tip: Plant your tulips in a grouped triangle, this will create a lovely full bouquet effect in the garden. When they are planted in lines or individually they tend to look lost or meagre. With bulbs it is definitely the more the merrier where budget permits.

Tulips may have a reputation as `difficult customers’ but in most cases this is undeserved. When you buy a bulb, the flower is already pre-formed, ready to bloom. All you need to do is plant them into well drained soil in a sunny spot, water and wait for the show!

A simple way to remember when to plant your tulips is Mother`s Day! Around this date is the ideal time as the soil has cooled sufficiently for planting and the really hot autumn days are done and dusted. It doesn’t have to be on the day, it just serves as an easy marker.

All our bulbs are ready to grow; they do not need to be chilled, which is one less thing to do.

It is a good idea to prepare the soil for their arrival by adding some delicious organic matter. Tulips need good drainage and at least six hours of sun a day to flower at their best. Plant the bulbs 15-20cm deep with the pointed end up. Space your tulips 10-15cm apart, planting closer for a more spectacular show.

Water them in after planting to encourage the roots to get up and grow. Then, as they emerge they should be kept moist – the natural winter and early spring rainfall usually takes care of that. Add some fertiliser as they emerge to help shore up the bulbs for future seasons.