Triumph Tulip 'Happy Generation' - 25 pieces

The flowers of 'Happy Generation' are deeply cup-shaped and stay closed for a long time. Red flames run over the ivory-white ground, marking each flower differently. When it opens in the sun, a yellow heart becomes visible inside. The graphic pattern can be recognised from afar.

At about 45–55 cm tall it belongs in beds, borders and naturalistic plantings too. Red tulips, white daffodils and blue grape hyacinths pick up its colours. Plant the 25 bulbs in one group so the flame patterns work together. In a pot it forms the upper layer of a bulb lasagne. In front of a dark hedge or next to bronze foliage, the white of the flowers shows up especially clearly. It also catches the eye in a front garden.

In the vase 'Happy Generation' is a graphic accent. It plays hardly any role for bees. The variety is strong and can return for several years in a good spot. Even so, flowering is most magnificent in the first year.

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.