Double Late Tulip 'Ice Cream Banana' - 6 pieces

Like its sister 'Ice Cream', 'Ice Cream Banana' brings a touch of humour to the bed. The outer petals form a cup in pink and green, much like an ice cream cone. Out of it swells a densely double ball of yellow petals. Together they create an unmistakable shape.

At about 25–35 cm tall it suits the front of beds, bed edges and especially pots, where it can be seen close up. Blue grape hyacinths or purple horned violas make a lovely contrast. On the balcony it forms the middle layer of a bulb lasagne. It also tolerates light shade. Plant the 6 bulbs close together in one pot to create a small ice cream buffet. It is also a delight in a bowl on the garden table.

In a small vase it is a talking point on any table. The double flowers are not accessible to bees. The flowers last a long time in the garden. Like most double tulips it shows its finest form in the first year; topping up keeps the fun going.

In Switzerland the best time to plant is October to November; planting is possible from September to December as long as the ground is not frozen. Set the bulbs 10–15 cm deep with the tip pointing up, roughly three times the height of the bulb. Space them 10–12 cm apart and plant in groups of 10 or more rather than singly. The soil should drain freely; in loam or clay, a handful of grit in the hole helps. In pots, set the bulbs closer together.

In dry spells in spring the tulip needs a little water. Remove the seed head after flowering, but leave the foliage until it has turned yellow, as it feeds the bulb. You can leave the bulbs in the bed, or lift them once the leaves have died back, store them dry and replant in autumn; if you want an equally generous display every year, top up with fresh bulbs. Where voles are a problem, a planting basket is worthwhile. In pots, protect the bulbs from prolonged winter wet.