Sunday 17 February 2013

Double Late Tulips

The blossoms of Double Late Tulips have so many petals that their other name is Peony Tulips. The blossoms are extremely large; when fully open they can be as much as 4 inches (10 cm) across. As well, the flowers bloom late and are very long lasting, so you may have Double Late Tulips in beautiful condition well into early summer.
There aren't an extremely large number of varieties in this class. However, there still are quite a few varieties which are both spectacular and easily available. I probably shouldn't prejudice you, but this is my very favourite class of tulips!

Several varieties have a fragrance; I have indicated which ones by putting an asterisk (*) after the name of the variety.

Flowering time:	late spring Double Late Tulips typically flower after Double Early Tulips but before Triumph Tulips, Darwin Hybrids, Parrot Tulips, Lily-flowered Tulips, and Single Late Tulips
Plant height:	12 - 24" (30 - 60 cm); average: 16" (40 cm)
Minimum planting depth:	6" (15 cm)
Hardiness zones:	suitable for zones 3 - 7
Colours:	white, pink, apricot, yellow, red, mauve, purple, black
Shape/form:	one many-petalled flower per stem flowers are particularly sensitive to severe rain and wind and should be planted in protected locations
Alternate names:	Peony Tulips, Peony Flowered Tulips
Notes:	good for rock gardens, beds, borders, and for forcing
Example varieties:	Angelique* (pink), Alegretto* (red and yellow), Carnaval de Nice (white and crimson), Creme Upstar* (yellow and pink), Lilac Perfection (lilac), Maywonder (magenta pink), Miranda (red), Monsella* (yellow with red flames), Mount Tacoma (white), Renown Unique (red with white edges), Uncle Tom (dark maroon), Upstar (white base and dark pink top), Wirosa (red and white), Yellow Tacoma (yellow)