Monet Tulip 'Menton Unique'

Watermelon pink petals with flashes of green feathered across the curly blooms.

Flowering fashionably late in the season, Monet Tulips are the largest of all them all and their sturdy stems have no trouble holding them aloft. We recommend them for their vigour, especially in warmer climates. Of course they also grow really well in cooler climes.

A top tip: Plant your tulips closely in a triangle shape to create a lovely full bouquet effect in the garden. When they are planted in lines or individually they tend to look lost or meagre.

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.

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.