Double Early Tulip 'Columbus' - 25 pieces

CHF 21.20
CHF 21.20
Double Early Tulip 'Columbus' - 25 pieces

Double Early Tulip 'Columbus' - 25 pieces

Tulip 'Columbus'

CHF 21.20
CHF 21.20
  • Double, peony-like flowers
  • Raspberry pink with a white edge
  • Early flowering in March and April
  • Moderate scent, height about 45–55 cm
  • Very long-lasting, ideal for pots

'Columbus' is a double early tulip with peony-like flowers in raspberry pink, edged with white like lace. The flowers grow larger and larger as they open and last a very long time. It is pleasantly scented and ideal for pots by the entrance and for bouquets.

About this variety

In 'Columbus' every flower looks as if it were trimmed with lace. The double flowers are raspberry pink, and every petal has a white edge. As they open, the flowers become ever larger and rounder until they recall small peonies. They also have a pleasant scent.

At about 45–55 cm it is versatile: a pair of pots by the front door, balcony boxes or bowls on the table are ideal places. In the border it looks good in groups or mixed with white, violet and burgundy. Blue grape hyacinths beneath it provide a fresh contrast, including in a bulb lasagne. In a wildlife garden it brings early colour. Plant at least 10 to 15 bulbs per pot or group so the double flowers make a dense, lavish impression.

In the vase 'Columbus' lasts a very long time and is scented. The double flowers offer little to bees. Like most double garden tulips it flowers best in its first year; for strong flowers every year you can plant more.

Planting

Plant the bulbs from September to December, in Switzerland ideally in October and November when the soil has cooled. Set them 10–15 cm deep, tip upwards, 10–12 cm apart. 'Columbus' looks best in groups of 10 or more. Choose a sunny spot with free-draining soil; in heavy soil add a little sand or grit to the planting hole. In pots the bulbs can sit closer together.

Care

The soil should not dry out while the plants are sprouting and flowering, so water in dry spring weather. After flowering remove the seed head, but leave the foliage until it has turned yellow. The bulbs can stay in the ground; since garden tulips flower best in their first year, it is worth replanting or lifting the bulbs once the foliage has died back and storing them dry. To protect against voles, it is best to plant in a wire basket. In winter, stand large containers where they will not be permanently wet.

Specifications

  • Botanical name: Tulip 'Columbus'
  • Genus: Tulips
  • Class: Double early tulips
  • Supplied as: Flower bulbs
  • Flower colour: Pink, Red, White
  • Flower size: 10 cm
  • Fragrant: Yes
  • Fragrance strength: Medium
  • Flowering time: March, April
  • Flowering season: Late winter, Spring
  • Foliage colour: Blue-green
  • Height: 50 cm
  • Spread: 15 cm
  • Habit: Upright
  • Position: Sun
  • Suitable for: Bed, Bed edge and border, Pot and container, Wildlife garden and meadow, Cutting garden
  • Soil type: Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
  • Drainage: Well-drained
  • Soil moisture: Moist
  • Soil pH: Neutral
  • Soil note: Suitable for many Swiss garden soils. A loose structure and good drainage matter more than a particular soil type.
  • Water needs: Medium
  • Planting time: September, October, November, December
  • Planting depth: 4–6 inches
  • Spacing: 4–5 in
  • Number per m²: 80
  • Hardiness in Switzerland: Hardy in Switzerland
  • Hardiness by location: Hardy, also at higher altitudes
  • Hardiness zone (USDA): 3–8
  • Overwintering note: Generally hardy in garden soil in Switzerland. At high, windy sites and in containers, plan extra winter protection and avoid winter wet.
  • For containers: Well suited to containers
  • Container note: Suitable for sufficiently deep pots. Avoid waterlogging and let the foliage die back completely after flowering.
  • Cut flower: Suitable as a cut flower
  • Naturalising: Partly suitable
  • Naturalising note: Can return for several years. Spreading on its own is not guaranteed for this variety, however.
  • For bees and butterflies: Not attractive to pollinators
  • Deer and rodent resistant: No
  • Edible: Not edible
  • Toxicity: Harmful if eaten; contact with the plant can irritate the skin. Keep away from children and pets and wear gloves when planting.
  • RHS hardiness: H6

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