Tulip Violetta

Tulip Violetta is a small botanical tulip with real presence. The blooms are soft rose pink, brushed with hints of green and warm orange on the outside. When they open in the sun they flatten into little stars and show off an inky purple center with dark stamens, so every clump looks lively and full of detail even from close range. This variety belongs to the species tulip group, sometimes called botanical tulips or wild tulips. Each bulb stays low to the ground and carries several flowers on slender upright stems. Plants reach about four to eight inches tall and flower in mid spring. Garden writers describe Violetta as a delicate multi headed tulip that is tougher than it looks and ideal for enjoying in pots before moving it into the border. For gardeners in the United States Tulip Violetta is easy to place and easy to please. Species tulips are naturally compact and long lived, and they are known for coming back reliably when they have a sunny spot and soil that drains well. Violetta behaves the same way. It is fully hardy and well suited to much of the country, broadly similar to other Tulipa humilis types that thrive from colder northern climates through many mid country and western gardens. Tuck it into rock gardens, along the front of mixed borders, through gravel and meadow style plantings, or into containers on a patio table where you can really see the dark centers. Plant Tulip Violetta bulbs in fall once the ground has cooled. Choose a spot in full sun or very light shade with free draining soil, then nestle the bulbs a few inches deep and fairly close together so the little flowers make a sheet of color. After flowering let the foliage die back on its own so the bulbs can recharge. With this simple care the bulbs settle in, naturalize and send up their pretty pink stars year after year, giving you an easy early display that looks relaxed and natural rather than forced.