Tulip 'New Design'

Truly a designer tulip! Registered in 1923, this tulip is still growing strong today. The petals turn from yellow to pink with hints of apricot here and there. This chameleon will delight you a myriad of evolving shades.

The show doesn’t stop there though, it is not only the flowers that draw the eye, the foliage is something special too, with a thick cream edge. Try combining with silver foliage or other pink tulips or flowers.

Cool colours are useful for making small spaces appear larger. 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 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 the budget permits.

If you have poor soils, 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 – but don’t forget the flowers will last longer if they have protection from the hot afternoon sun. Plant the bulbs 15-20cm deep with the pointed end up. Space your tulips 10-20cm apart, planting closer for a more spectacular show. Like most bulbs, tulips look their best when grouped together.

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.

Tulips are great in pots, we recommend regular watering as potting mix is perfectly drained, so dries out quickly and the addition of some fertiliser as they begin to grow to ensure the best show.