Double Early Tulip 'Pink Delight' - 24 pieces

Tulips are seen as a flower of affection, and 'Pink Delight' fits that well. The flowers are a soft pink, shot through with pale white areas. The petals are gently curved and give the flower a soft shape. Its charm is simple but effective.

At 45–55 cm tall, it stands well in the middle of the bed or in borders. White daffodils, forget-me-nots and early perennials such as lungwort go well with it. It also tolerates light partial shade. In a pot, combine it in a bulb lasagne with grape hyacinths in the layer above. Among spring grasses or beside the silvery foliage of lamb's ears the planting looks light and natural.

In the vase it brings spring indoors and makes a lovely small gift. Tulips are of hardly any interest to bees. Like many garden tulips, 'Pink Delight' flowers best in its first year; replanting in autumn keeps the planting full. Cut the stems for the vase early in the morning, just as the buds show colour, and stand them in fresh, cool water.

Plant from September to December, ideally in October or November when the soil has cooled. The bulbs go 10–15 cm deep, tip upwards, 10–12 cm apart. They have the strongest effect in groups of 10 or more. Sun and free-draining soil are important, as tulips do not tolerate waterlogging; in loamy soil add some grit to the planting hole. In large containers, plant the bulbs more densely.

The plant appreciates water during dry spells in spring. Remove the seed heads after flowering, but leave the foliage until it has yellowed, as it feeds the bulb. If you want the same number of flowers every year, plant a few fresh bulbs in autumn or lift the old ones after the foliage dies back and store them dry. In gardens with voles, plant in a wire basket. Keep large containers sheltered from rain in winter.