Lily-flowered Tulip 'Claudia' - 20 pieces

Lily-flowered tulips look slender and graceful, and 'Claudia' is a particularly lovely example. Its long petals taper to a point and curve slightly outwards. The colour is a strong purple magenta that gives way to a broad white margin at the edge. This contrast clearly traces the elegant shape.

At about 35–45 cm it suits beds and borders, where it looks best planted in larger numbers. The matt, blue-green foliage blends harmoniously among emerging perennials such as hardy geraniums, catmint or lady's mantle. White tulips, forget-me-nots and silvery foliage are lovely partners. It also shows its elegance in large containers on the terrace and balcony.

It lasts well in the vase, and the pointed flowers bring movement to any bouquet. It is of little interest to bees. For a garden tulip it returns fairly reliably in a sunny, dry spot, even though flowering is most abundant in the first year.

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. 'Claudia' 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.

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.