Tulip 'Lalibela'

Tulip ‘Lalibela’ will bring colour and joy to your garden. The large flowers are deep orange red and open mid season. The flowers bloom on red flushed stems.

Tulips are extraordinary flowers. They have a past steeped in romance, they have been a muse for art, poetry and passion. The Tulip has obsessed nations taking flower power to the extreme. It has earned its name as Queen of Bulbs.

Tulips look best en masse. Their intense colouring can be used to create platforms of colour through your beds and borders. The large range means there is one to suit every garden style or pallet.

Tulips have a bit of a Prima Donna reputation. And while they are a little bit of extra work than some bulbs, they do put on an amazing show. An easy way to remember when to plant your Tulips is Mother's Day, as the soil has cooled sufficiently by this time.

If you are lucky enough to live where the weather is warm you will need to chill your bulbs. To do this place them in a paper bag, egg carton or similar breathable containment, then pop them into the crisper (don't confuse them with onions!) and leave them for a 4-6 weeks (for Tulips some say up to 8 weeks but it is a long time taking up valuable fridge space so just do your best). Chilling your Tulips brings their flowering time forward and converts the carbohydrates to sugars stimulating growth in the bulb. By bringing your flowering forward the flowers will open before the warm weather and last longer. If you live in an area that gets at least two frosts a year you do not need to refrigerate your Tulip bulbs.

During this down time you can prepare the soil for their arrival by adding some delicious organic matter. Tulips need good drainage and at least six hours sun a day to flower at their best. Plant the bulbs 15-20cm deep with the pointed end up. Space 10-20cm apart. Plant closely for a bigger show.

In most areas it is recommended you lift and store your Tulip bulbs once their foliage has browned. If you live in an area with frost, the soil is shaded or mulched through summer and the ground does not become soggy during their dormant period you do not need to lift your Tulip bulbs. In every other case it is recommended.