History of tulip breeding

Although everyone is accustomed to considering tulips a symbol of Holland, they were originally brought from Persia to Turkey in the 16th century. And the first mentions of this flower are found precisely in connection with Persia. And the name “tulip” comes from the Persian word toliban, which means “turban,” apparently because the flower bud resembles the shape of this oriental headdress. Now there are a huge number of varieties of tulips with different flower shapes.

Back in the 16th century, tulip breeding began for the first time in Turkey. And by the end of the century, almost 300 varieties were bred.

Tulips were first brought to Europe, namely Germany, in 1559. The tulip bulbs were sent to Senator Herwarth in Augsburg by the German ambassador to the Turkish court.

But the issue of developing new varieties was taken most seriously in Holland, and as a result, tulips became a symbol of this country. It was in Holland that the most popular and collectible varieties of tulips were bred.

And already at the end of the 19th century, they began to grow tulips in Russia. First, tulip selection centers appeared in the south of the country: in Rostov-on-Don and Sukhumi, and then, with the development of agricultural technologies, new varieties were developed in other Russian cities.

Classes and groups of tulips

In the specialized literature, all tulips are divided into 15 classes and combined into 4 groups. Moreover, the classification from grades 1 to 11 includes garden tulips, and from grades 11 to 15 - botanical tulips and cultural hybrids.

Simple early and late tulips and double early and late tulips are the most common classes known. These hybrids were bred at the beginning of the twentieth century, but despite this, not all of their varieties are common in our country.

There are a lot of popular varieties in categories such as Darwin hybrids, Lily tulips and Triumph tulips. Now many new varieties are appearing among Fringed, Parrot and Green-flowered tulips. This is due to the growing demand for flowers of original colors and shapes. Varieties in the categories Rembrandt tulips, Foster tulips, Kaufman tulips, Greig tulips are considered unpretentious in care. They are attractive with large flowers and early flowering.

Other species, varieties and hybrids, bred on the basis of tulips of the already mentioned categories, form a separate class in which each variety is not yet very widely represented, but brightly.

Tulips are also classified according to flowering time: early-blooming, mid-blooming, late-blooming and hybrids of these groups.

Blooming flower bed of tulips

Since there are so many varieties of tulips, it is impossible to list them all, nor to highlight the most beautiful ones. All tulips are beautiful in their own way. The only reason why you should still be guided by varieties is that when growing you need to know how a particular variety is adapted to certain natural conditions. And if you form a flower garden from tulips of different varieties, you can ensure that your flowerbed will be in bloom for 1.5 months, you just need to plant the tulips correctly according to the flowering time, so planting the tulips itself is very important.

If you want to see tulips bloom as early as possible, pay attention to the hybrids of Foster, Kaufmann, and Greig. They bloom in mid-April and bloom for quite a long time. Among the varieties in this group: Princess Sharman, Lenin's Memorial, Johann Strauss, Rosanna, Lovely Ceprise.

Almost simultaneously with these tulips or immediately after them, early tulips, simple and double, bloom. These are such hybrids as Mister Van Der Hoof, Peach Blossom, Electra, Willemsord, Apricot Beauty, Ruby Red and others. They are distinguished by large flowers and stems up to 50 cm tall.

In our latitudes, medium-blooming tulips are especially popular. These are hybrids of Darwin tulips and Triumph tulips. Their flowering occurs at a time when the weather has already settled, and the flowers do not suffer from frost or winds. These tulips are distinguished by their large flowers and bright colors. Medium-flowering varieties include Parade Record, General Eisenhower, Gordon Cooper, Tender Beauty and others.

But the most common in our country are Triumph tulips, which bloom in mid-May. Many flower growers grow varieties such as Lustige Witve, Don Quixote, Kis Nelis, White Dream.

If you like flowers of unusual shapes and colors, then you should choose late-flowering tulips from Lily, Fringed or Parrot: Miranda, Up Star, Angelica, Alegretto, Ankle Tom. Parrot tulips are widely represented by such varieties as White Parrot, Red Parrot, Orange Favorite, Blue Parrot, Black Parrot.

Fringed ones are attractive due to the unusual shape of their petals. Varieties Red Wing, New Look, Maya, Blue Heron are incredibly popular among both professionals and amateurs.

And lily-flowered tulips also have a very beautiful flower structure, similar in shape to a lily. Among them are such hybrids as White Triumphant, West Point, Mrs. Mook, Red Shine, Jacqueline and many others.

More than 2.5 thousand varieties of tulips have been bred. Not all of them are equally widespread. There are those that can be found in any flower bed, and there are varieties that in our area can only be grown in greenhouses or conservatories, since caring for tulips is different. The choice of tulips is so huge that everyone will find a dozen or two varieties to their taste.

The fifth class, according to modern classification canons, opens the largest group of tulips - the third. It includes as many as 7 classes of tulips, divided by external characteristics and features, as well as a huge number of different varieties. Simple late tulips are the most popular category for gardeners living in temperate climates. Such flowers can be found in almost every yard with the onset of spring.

A little history.

Simple late tulips were united under one name and entered the fifth class relatively recently. The classification was officially revised in 1981. Scientists carefully checked and sorted the varieties, some were abolished, and some were combined into new groups. Thus, the previously abolished varieties of Darwin tulips were added to the group of simple late tulips. In addition, the class was replenished with Cottage and Breeder tulips, in addition to some varieties that moved to other classes.

Today, these varieties are not very popular, and in Holland they occupy no more than 4% of the total plantings. The most common are hybrid and natural varieties of increased decorativeness and resistance to cold.

Simple late tulips general description.

The fifth class of tulips is formed by combining varieties with common characteristics, but all of them can differ significantly from each other in colors and other parameters. In the English classification today, this section also includes multi-flowered varieties, French and the famous Sperghes hybrids.

A distinctive characteristic of tulips from the fifth class is that they are all tall, with powerful, dense flower stalks. Most varieties bloom singly, but there are varieties that produce 3-5 buds on one peduncle.

Among the representatives of the class there are also varieties that are distinguished by an interesting feature that makes them more decorative. We are talking about variegation, which is provoked not by a viral disease, but by a genetic feature. Flower growers do not need to worry about diseases - almost all representatives of this class have genetic resistance, endurance, as well as the ability to adapt to the climatic conditions of the region in which they are grown.

Flowering dates.

Fifth class varieties are characterized by late flowering, unlike other varieties. They are practically not used for winter forcing precisely for this reason, since their growing season is longer and development occurs at a slightly slower pace. But this is more of an advantage than a disadvantage. Such tulips grow well in those regions where warm weather sets in later, and they also tolerate frosty winters better without shelter.

Popular varieties.

Based on external characteristics, it is not always easy to determine whether tulips belong to the fifth class, however, their main characteristics are considered to be late flowering, as well as the absence of terry and fringed border. What varieties are popular from this class?

Tulip variety Avignon.

The Avignon tulip variety (see photo) is a leader among florist preferences, especially among beginners and amateurs, as it is very simple and unpretentious to grow, and is also ideal for cutting. Avignon grows about 65-75 cm, it has powerful and dense stems surrounded by leaves, which are arranged in a regular order. The Avignon variety has large, up to 12 cm in height, goblet-shaped flowers that open around mid-May.

The petals are elongated, oval in shape. The main shade of the petals is red, but in the center of each there is a light vein, and along the edges there is a shading border of a yellow, fiery hue. This tulip has very large basal leaves. They have a peak-shaped shape and pronounced arcuate veins.

Tulip variety Dreamland.

The Dreamland tulip variety (see photo) is an achievement of Dutch breeders, which they can rightfully be proud of. These are very delicate flowers, cultivated for cutting and gardening in large quantities. Dreamland, with its unusual color, is very different from many other representatives of the class.

Its large, elongated flowers are painted in a white-pinkish tint. The bottom of the petal is white. Approximately in the center there is a soft transition to a raspberry-pinkish tint, which fills the upper part of the petal. This variety is one of the few that is more suitable for winter forcing, but even it needs special conditions.

Tulip variety Red Georgette.

The Red Georgette tulip variety (see photo) is unique in its kind and is quite different from the traditional single-blooming varieties. This Dutch variety has existed relatively recently, and it has become a leader among lovers of multi-flowered varieties, since due to its decorativeness and unpretentiousness it can be used for landscaping any area. The traditional red color of the petals, rich shade and resistance to viruses have become its main advantage.

The plant can reach a height of 60-65 cm maximum, the stems are leafy - the spade-shaped petals are arranged oppositely, and there is also a basal rosette. Several peduncles are formed at the top of the stem, the maximum number of buds is 7-8 pieces. They begin to bloom in the first half of May, maximum by the middle of this month. Before flowering, the tulip needs mineral fertilizer.

Tulip variety Queen of Night.

Tulip Queen of Knight (see photo), whose name means “Queen of the Night”, received such a mysterious, fantastic name due to its color, which Dutch breeders were able to reproduce. There are not many varieties with a similar shade of petals, so it is considered rare and very decorative. Queen of Knight is able to adapt to hot climates, and at the same time grows no worse in regions where frosts are severe in winter.

This variety has other features that make it stand out from the rest - it blooms longer than others, is more resistant to sunlight and does not lose its decorative effect, even in the hottest weather. The tulip blooms in the second half of May. The height of the flower is no less than 50 cm, and the goblet-shaped bowls of the flowers are no more than 12 cm. The petals are painted in a thick, dark purple hue, which is why this variety is popularly called “black tulip.” The only drawback is that it does not combine equally well with all colors in the flower garden.

Tulip variety Maureen.

The Maurin tulip variety (see photo) is the personification of spring, purity and tenderness. This is a tall flower with regular, chiseled lines and a perfectly uniform color. Maurin is distinguished by its non-leafy, smooth and powerful stem, which makes it suitable for cutting. The basal leaves are narrow, peak-shaped and very long - up to 45-50 cm. The height of the plant itself is up to 70 cm.

The goblet inflorescences differ in shape - they are wider than those of other varieties and with clearer lines. The petals are the most delicate, white shade without inclusions or strokes. The maximum duration of the flowering phase for this variety is 10-14 days. It is grown in partial shade or shade, since the tulip is too sensitive to light and immediately opens under the sun's rays.

Tulip variety Orange Bouquet.

The Orange Bouquet tulip variety (see photo) is another multi-flowered masterpiece created through the efforts of breeders from Holland. In addition to the fact that it is multi-flowered, it also has a feature characteristic of the fifth class of tulips - variegation. The stems of Orange Bouquet are cylindrical, powerful, about 60 cm high.

The total number of buds on a peduncle is up to 7 pieces. They all bloom one by one, from about mid to late May. Flowers, tapering towards the top, up to 10 cm in height, goblet-shaped. The petals are colored red-orange. The Orange Bouquet variety tolerates winter well and has a high reproduction rate.

Primavera tulip variety.

The Primavera variety (see photo) does not have any supernatural features, but in its simplicity and modesty it is no less beautiful. The flowers are goblet-shaped, not too tall, no more than 10 cm. At the base, the diameter of the flower is always a little wider, but not significantly, as can be observed in many other varieties.

The height of the entire plant, in general, is up to 60 cm. The leaves are basal, wide and long, almost as tall as the stem. The petals are colored pinkish, and at the tops there is a lightened creamy border. The Primavera variety reproduces well, not only by vegetative, traditional methods, but also by seeds.

Shirley tulip variety.

Shirley tulips (see photo) are unique, with exotic colors and good growth potential. These are plants of medium height with tall, goblet-shaped flowers of unconventional colors. The above-ground part of the plant is up to 70 cm in height, with an impressive, powerful stem and a lush basal rosette of leaves.

Flowers with clearly defined lines, goblet-shaped, with a square bottom. The petals are a soft cream color, with a beautiful crimson shading along the edges, which can be more or less saturated. Shirley is a suitable variety for forcing, cutting and gardening.

Tulips are often compared in beauty and demand to the queen of the garden - the rose. Many people like the first ones more, and the variety of these colors is amazing. In the mid-17th century in Holland, the population was literally obsessed with tulips, hundreds of varieties were bred. The excitement has long passed, but beautiful flowers still delight with their diversity. That is why a classification was created that divided the varieties of tulips into groups. Let's get to know them.

This is interesting! There is a legend that happiness was hidden in a tulip bud, but no one knew how to open it. One day, a kind and pure-hearted boy took a flower, and it opened its petals, making it clear what is important to a person in life.

A little background

Until the beginning of the last century, flower growers had no idea how to deal with a wide range of tulips. There are so many varieties that everyone got confused, and the creation of the classification began in 1913. But this matter was not so easy for the British and Dutch, and for another 16 years the process could not be completed. As a result, the first register was created in 1929; of course, by now it has undergone a number of changes. After all, some varieties of tulips have become obsolete, while others have yet to be discovered. In general, there are more than 2.5 thousand, but they are all divided into 4 groups, in which there are classes, and there are now 15 of them. We cannot list all the varieties, but below we will introduce you to the most beautiful and in demand.

On a note! Since there are very, very many tulips in each class, we will name, show photos and describe only a few, but also list some others. And if you wish, you can find pictures of varieties on the Internet.

Groups and classes - general description

In this section we will simply show what the classification looks like, and then we will analyze it in detail. So, tulips are divided according to the following principle.

Group 1. Early flowering.

• Class 1. Simple.
• Class 2. Terry.

Group 2. Medium flowering.

• Class 3. Triumph
• Class 4. Darwinian hybrids.

Group 3. Late flowering.

• Class 5. Simple.
• Class 6. Liliaceae.
• Class 7. Fringed.
• Class 8. Green flowers.
• Class 9. Rembrandt.
• Class 10. Parrots.
• Class 11. Terry.

Group 4. Types of tulips and their hybrids.

• Class 12. Kaufman.
• Class 13. Foster.
• Class 14. Greig.
• Class 15. Wild growing.

This is what the classification looks like at the moment. Each group and class has many different varieties of tulips. Let's get to know some of them.

Early blooming tulips

Simple

These are very unpretentious flowers; they easily tolerate harsh winters and bad weather, which is typical for most regions of our country. At the same time, even the wind does not break beautiful tulips, which can reach a height of 25 cm to 40 cm. It is believed that varieties of this class are excellent for decorating borders and garden paths. Flowers love a lot of sunlight, and with it the buds open to their maximum. Tulips are suitable for growing in flowerpots, trays on the veranda, and for forcing.

Popular varieties:

Terry

These tulips do not reach more than 30 cm in height, they delight us with double-type petals, the flowers grow very well and bloom for a long time. The buds are large - up to 8-10 cm in diameter. Terry varieties always look festive, elegant, elegant and unusual. Tulips of this class serve as an excellent decoration both for flower beds and as a living border.

For information! Bulbous flowers should always be grown where there is no excess moisture, there is plenty of sunlight, and the soil is neutral.

Popular varieties:

• "Terry red." It has very large scarlet flowers with double petals; they can reach more than 12 cm in diameter. This is one of the most sought after varieties;
  "Terry red"
• "Monte Carlo". These are yellow double flowers - up to 10 cm in diameter. Strengths: stable stems and immunity to diseases;
  "Monte Carlo"
• "Ice Cream." From the name you can understand that breeders compare this variety of tulips to delicious ice cream. All thanks to the unusual combination of shades and the shape of the flowers themselves. But these tulips do not like bad weather and high humidity.
  "Ice Cream"

  Advice! Also take a closer look at the varieties of this group with names - “Bonanza”, “Dante”, “Carlton”, “Electra”, “Shunord”, “Murillo Maxima”, “Madame Testu”, “Triumphator”.

Medium blooming tulips

From the name it is clear that these tulips do not begin to bloom early - in the third ten days of May. But sometimes gardeners achieve earlier flowering; in general, gardeners love flowers of this group. They bloom evenly, the shades delight with their diversity. A completely unpretentious group, it does not require special care and tolerates weather adversities well.

Triumph

Tulips of these varieties are well suited for making bouquets - they have tall, stable stems, the correct flower shape - in the form of a wine glass. Bouquets last a long time, they look very decorative.

Popular varieties:

Darwinian hybrids

These flowers look beautiful along fences, walls, and can be cut into bouquets. These are giants - up to 80 cm tall. The “glass” of the flower can open wide. Tulips are not afraid of frost and disease.

Popular varieties:

Advice! Also take a closer look at the following varieties of this group - “Apeldoorn”, “Princess Beatrix”, “Roland”, “Topskor”, “Beauty of Apeldoorn”, “Diplomat”, “Oxford”.

Late blooming tulips

It is clear from the name that varieties from this group bloom in late spring and early summer. These tulips love warm and hot weather, but they are very capricious when it comes to lower temperatures and recurrent frosts. Therefore, if you plant such tulips, then follow the forecast in the spring in order to cover the flower beds in time.

Simple

Tall tulips - up to 80 cm. The shades of the petals can be different, the flowers can be easily grown. The shape of the inflorescence is goblet-shaped, and at the stem it resembles a square. The flowers are large and beautiful.

Popular varieties:

Advice! Also take a closer look at the varieties - “Prince Vladimir”, “President Hoover”, “Artist”, “Advance”, “Dido”, “Rosie Wings”, “Georgette”, “White City”.

Liliaceae

And here scientists gave the name to tulips for a reason. Judging by the shape of the flower, it is clear that these buds resemble lilies; they have sharp tips. Primary colors are white, pink, scarlet, yellow. Tulips grow up to 50-60 cm and do not fall apart. When the buds have opened fully, you will notice that the petals have a second shade inside.

Popular varieties:

Advice! Take a closer look at the varieties - “Aladdin”, “Astor”, “Alaska”, “Captain Fryatt”, “Hedwig Vatter”, “White Triumphant”.

Fringed

Tulips of this class were created relatively recently - at the end of the last century. The flowers are tall and stately. They can be immediately distinguished by the edge of the petals, where there is a needle-like frill. Varieties bloom at different times - in late spring and summer, the shades can be completely unique.

Popular varieties:

Green flowers

There are flowers that are often planted, and there are rare and expensive ones. This is exactly what this class is like. Breeders developed a number of varieties in 1981, the main distinguishing feature being the middle of the buds with a green tint. The petals themselves may be different.

Popular varieties:

Advice! You can choose other tulips with names - “Artist”, “Green”, “Greenland”, “China Town”, “Golden Artist”.

Rembrandt

These tulips can create a great mood even on the most stormy day. They are so different, they can be of any shade, pattern. They bloom in the second decade of May and grow up to 75 cm. Gardeners love them very much.

Popular varieties:

Advice! You can also plant the following varieties: “American Flag”, “Black Boy”, “Montgomery”, “Star and Stripes”, “Pierrette”.

Parrots

The name speaks for itself. The tulips are bright, have unusual petals, the edges of which seem to be cut, it seems as if the flowers are imitating birds. Favorite and in demand among gardeners. They have a high stem - 65-80 cm. After cutting, tulips stand well, but the flowers are fragile and you need to be careful. On the site they can be planted along the fence, terraces, together with low-growing varieties of tulips. The diameter of the flowers is up to 20 cm.

Popular varieties:

Terry

These tulips have large inflorescences that open very wide. They need a quiet, sunny place on the site so that the petals are not damaged. Shades may vary.

Popular varieties:

Types of tulips and their hybrids

The group has an unusual name, all because all the flowers that were not included in the previous classes were included here. There are a lot of varieties here. We will name the main types of tulips and look at their photos. There are only four names, but there is a wide variety of flowers themselves, as breeders mix them with each other. Tulips come out differently; flowering times can be early or late. Of course, the varieties also differ in appearance.

Kaufman

As a rule, they delight with flowering already in April. The flowers are low-growing, ideal for decorating borders; they can be grown in trays on summer verandas. The shape of the inflorescences resembles a star. They can decorate a rock garden, an alpine hill, and are not afraid of the shadows. These tulips are crossed with the next two and different hybrids are obtained. The class was launched in 1877.

One of Kaufman's varieties

Foster

Tulips are large - up to 15-18 cm in diameter. They bloom in the spring; they are often planted in compositions with other primroses or flowers that open their buds in early summer. The shades of the petals can be different, the varieties are not afraid of frost. In culture since 1905.

Foster's Tulips

Greig

Most often, tulips have either two shades on one flower, or they are simply red. Ideal for decorating paths, they can be planted at the base of a rock garden. The inflorescences are large, unpretentious class with strong stems. The petals have uneven edges. The class is used for crossing with Kaufman and Foster tulips. In culture since 1872.

Greig's tulips

Wild growing

These tulips have also been classified, but many of the varieties here are quite unremarkable when compared with other groups. It is worth noting that the three classes listed above - Kaufman, Foster, Greig - are also considered wild. The group also includes tulips - “Borscheva”, “Alberta”, “Great”, “Tubergena”, “Yulia” and a number of other varieties. Not all flowers surprise with their shades and saturation; the petals can be small in size. But these tulips are absolutely unpretentious, that’s why they are wild. They can bloom for up to a month. Breeders use wild varieties to create new hybrids.

Finally about forcing

To obtain luxurious tulips not only in spring and summer in flower beds, but also throughout the year for the holidays, gardeners are engaged in forcing. That is, you can grow bouquets whenever you need. The process is not complicated, but it needs to be well understood once. There is another important point - not all flowers can be grown at home in trays. If you want to receive bouquets by March 8, then for forcing use the following varieties of tulips - “Aruba” (raspberry), “Beauty Trend” (delicate white and pink), “Cacharel” (terry pink), “Fest Rosie” (pink ), “Lyuba” (like a flame), “Red Power” (scarlet), “Rems Favorite” (purple-white), “Strong Gold” (yellow).

That's how many varieties we've learned. Choose your favorites and plant in the coming season.

To this day, fringed tulips, which were known back in the 17th century, have not lost their popularity. For the same amount of time, there have been simple flowers that are not afraid of rain, and whose buds open magnificently under the sun’s color. Typically, the height of tulips reaches an average of 30 cm, and in flower beds they are planted in the foreground in rows or individually. Various types of tulips are also used as a potted crop.

Classic red is considered the main color, but white flowers, yellow, purple and others are no less popular. Some of these species look great against the backdrop of coniferous trees, which is why we can often see spruce trees of various sizes standing proudly near a flower bed with tulips.

Varietal diversity

Many varietal specimens are bred through selection, as a result of which it is possible to acquire quite interesting flowers with an unusual shade. A variety called Miranda. Tulips differ from others in their splendor and characteristic bright colors; some even call them peony.

Peak flowering occurs in May. The average height is approximately 55 cm. They reproduce well, so they are usually grown in parks and gardens. But Tilda are tulips that were able to win the hearts of many people with their elegant appearance; they are best grown in botanical gardens or bred in a greenhouse.

A separate category of tulip varieties includes wild-growing ones., Greig, Foster tulips and the like. Dwarf tulips tolerate frosty winters well and can grow even in rocky gardens, as they are unpretentious. Quilling tulips look good against the background of wide leaves. When choosing bulbs, you should pay attention to when they bloom, as there are early and late ones. Each variety has its own characteristics. For example, early flowers need to be protected from frost so that their bulbs are not exposed to frost and are lost. The exquisite Louvre is a tulip that will delight you for a long time with its bright colors that look spectacular in any light.

Features of growth of different varieties of tulips

The bulb of a Fabio tulip or any other begins to wake up in early spring, but the plant will bloom depending on which category it belongs to. After the shoot appears above the ground, a month may not pass before the multi-colored rosette will show off in front of you. When a flower blooms, this is just the peak of growth. As soon as the tulip fades, it leaves behind a nest of new babies of different sizes. The dormant period usually falls in the summer, although tulips are flowers that prefer the south.

The only drawback of tulips is their short flowering period, although modern breeding methods have helped to develop tulips whose varieties will bloom for about 1.5 months. Grow these flowers near borders, in containers, but this does not apply to all varieties. That is, it is irrational to plant tall tulips in pots, as they will feel constrained in them.

Some varieties are intended to be grown to later be cut for sale (usually medium-blooming tulips). In terms of flowering time, many varieties of tulips differ from each other, but all of them rarely get sick, since they maintain their positions even during heavy downpours and bloom earlier than many flowers.

A potential buyer visiting a garden center or flipping through the catalog of an online store literally the abundance of tulip varieties dazzles the eyes. The contrasts are simply amazing: miniatures up to 10 cm and meter-long giants, snow-white bowls and mystical black beauties, classic elegant glasses and colorful parrot “feathers”...

What groups of tulip varieties exist?

Yes, it’s difficult to make a choice with such an abundance of options, because at the moment there are more than 4 thousand varieties of tulips in the world! Just the type of Tulips suggests 150 names, how can you not get confused here? Let's sort out all the species and varietal splendor, dividing all the varieties into 4 broad groups according to flowering time:

1. Early flowering
2. Medium flowering
3. Late bloomers
4. Botanical

Since such groups include a large number of varieties, they are in turn divided into 15 classes.

Early flowering ones are divided as follows:

• simple early;
• terry early;
• Mendelian tulips.

Medium flowering:

• Triumph;
• Darwinian hybrids

Late bloomers:

• simple late;
• Liliaceae;
• fringed;
• green-colored;
• Rembrant tulips;
• parrots;
• late terry.

Botanical (natural species and hybrids based on them):

• Kaufman;
• Foster;
• Greig.

Bowl shaped There are varieties: parrot, double, spherical, cup-shaped, oval, peony-shaped, lily-shaped.

By color tulips are divided into permanently colored and variegated (each flower is individual).

Selecting varieties

Let's go through each class and select the best varieties for the garden, which will allow you to admire these magnificent bulbous plants from April to June.

Simple early

The middle of the 17th century - the beginning of growing simple early tulips. Their most important feature is cold resistance, resistance to wind, the strength of a low peduncle and a rapid growth rate. Thanks to these qualities, these tulips bloom with all their might when the snow has not yet completely melted.

Their flower trustingly opens towards the sun, revealing a bowl with a dark bottom. As a rule, varieties have warm-colored tones - red, orange, yellow.

Among the most famous are the bright scarlet Charles, the apricot-pink Christmas Orange (however, all representatives of the Christmas variety series are good), and the red-yellow Duc Van Tol Orange.

Terry early

Terry early tulips are very popular. They bloom magnificently in early May, despite the cold, rain and early spring frosts. Their flowers are spectacular, thanks to the many petals and bright warm shades from yellow to dark red. The stems are low, 20-35 cm.

Snow-white Murillo is still in demand (more than 200 years!).

At the peak of popularity is the bright Abba, long-flowering and unpretentious.

The Berlin variety looks very life-affirming, cold-resistant and aromatic.

Medium blooming tulips

In the first half of May, Triumph tulips bloom. This is the largest group among tulips. Their flowers are large, goblet-shaped, never opening their cup, the stem is of average height 50-60 cm.

Ronaldo is very popular with an exotic purple glass and a strong stem.

Solid pastel shades are often used for cutting, such as the elegant Barcelona, ​​Fun For Two.

Darwin hybrids, tall and bright (for example, Apeldorn Elite), are planted in large flower beds.

Late blooming tulips

Among those blooming in late May - early June, simple late tulips (or Cottage tulips) are good, having a very tall and powerful peduncle and an almost square corolla base. Among them we will name American Express and Catherina; they go perfectly together in compositions.

Unusual exotic inflorescences have recently been in greatest demand among gardeners. Fringed- one of these original groups of tulips. For some reason, the breeders themselves began to consider the first variety, bred in the 30s of the 20th century, to be predatory, eating insects. The completely peaceful nature of these hybrids was soon revealed. In addition, they were also made terry. Such double beauty is in great demand and has recently become increasingly common in flower beds. This group includes varieties such as Brest and Gorilla.

Among the late-blooming ones, green-flowered tulips are considered especially fashionable. Although they were bred not so long ago (in the 80s of the last century), these flowers are wildly popular and are the first to disappear from store shelves. It would seem, what is special about this color? There is no bright color, no original corolla, just green touches on the petals... But how stylish they look! Examples of such varieties: Green River and Spring Green.

The appearance of the next class of tulips can serve as an illustration of the famous proverb “If there were no happiness...” Once on one of the plots, some of the plants were infected with the variegation virus, and the breeders suddenly saw remarkably beautiful flowers with cut edges, bright and very lively, similar to a flock of southern birds. This is how Parrot Tulips appeared. Now, fortunately, plants of this group are bred without the participation of viruses, only through genetic modifications. This group includes the varieties Gay Presto and Parrot King.

They bloom very late, at the end of May. It is best to plant them close to the path, along the edge of the flower garden, in order to admire the colorful large flowers up close.

Botanical hybrids

The plants on the basis of which all varieties of modern tulips were bred do not have any particular chic or originality, but they are very unpretentious and do not require annual digging of bulbs. Often their foliage is covered with spots and stripes, which gives them a special decorative appearance.

T. Kaufman is called the “larks” among tulips, which delights the gardener already in mid-April. Its corolla, sitting on a short stem, looks like a star due to its pointed petals.

Foster's class of species tulips is famous for the fact that their hybridization gave impetus to the emergence of Darwin hybrids. T. Foster varieties bloom at the end of April, are not afraid of frost and are unpretentious. They produce a large number of baby bulbs and grow quickly. Examples of varieties: Candela, Humoresque.

And the last class of natural tulips is Greiga. They can also have variegated leaves and flowers - “stars”. Due to their miniature size, they are often placed in rock gardens and mini-compositions. A distinctive feature is that three petals are connected in the center, and three are gracefully bent. These varieties include Donna Bella, Calypso.

Knowing the flowering time and the height of the plant, you can very professionally create a spectacular spring flower bed that will be decorative for a long time.