Tulip Time

For the last couple of weeks, it's been Tulip Time.  I only have about a dozen bulbs of the Lady Tulips (Tulipa clusiana), but they are all putting on a nice show.

There was no cultivar name for those I planted last year, but their bright colors makes me confident that they are 'Chrysantha'.  I really like the vibrant yellow and darker red of the blooms, plus the blue-green foliage is really nice (pictures do not accurately portray their true color).  Add that to the fact that they have increased in number since last year and re-bloomed just as vigorously, and I'm thinking its a keeper.

This year's planting were of the the 'Cynthia' cultivar (Tulipa clusiana 'Cynthia').  Though nice, they lack the nice foliar color and the blooms tend more towards a pastel shade.  They also tend to grow a little taller, and this causes them to be a little floppier.

A good contrast between the yellow shades can be seen in the pictures below.  Cynthia is on the left, Chrysantha on the right.

With our March temperatures averaging about ten degrees above normal, the tulips blooms are fading in the heat.  But I have certainly enjoyed their flash of color over the last weeks.

Planted in the Ground:

• Sempervivum sp.: Two unidentified varieties went into my succulent bed; if anyone knows the specific species or cultivar names, please let me know.

 

Planted in Pots:

• Solenostemon sp.: Yet another unidentified cultivar; placed into the same pot as my croton - thought it would add some matching color below the upper foliage.