Tulipa 'David Teniers'

The Double 'David Teniers' Tulip is a rather ancient variety, a bit extravagant, but rarely offered in catalogues. Its large peony-like flowers with velvety petals combine a rich tone of reddish wine with mauve highlights, in a baroque and theatrical harmony. It blooms in April, on short and sturdy stems, at the same time as pansies and narcissus. For example, choose light pink, dark pink, and violet pansies to surround its long flowering period, as well as Narcissus triandrus 'Hawera', for their clusters of pale yellow flowers, all these plants creating an elegant and contrasting scene.

The Double Early Tulip 'David Teniers' belongs to the Liliaceae family. Originally horticultural, introduced to the Netherlands in 1960, it is currently classified in the group of early doubles, whose main characteristic is to bloom at the same height, making it a popular category for enthusiasts of well-arranged flower beds. They are often offered in a mix of colours under the name 'Murillo' tulips. Perched on very short and sturdy 25cm (10in) stems, emerging from widely lanceolate, slightly glaucous green leaves, the large double flowers, with a dark peony colour, are fully open. The petals have a shiny texture, further accentuating the richness of the colour that characterizes this variety. The flowering takes place in April, in the heart of the tulip season.

The 'David Teniers' tulip, of great class despite its very short stem, undoubtedly deserves to be isolated from other varieties. Its flowers will be enhanced by the small 'daisy-like' flowers of chamomiles, the umbels and feathery foliage of yarrows, wild chervil or ornamental carrot. Its base can also be covered with silver basket or Dichondra 'Silver Falls', cascading from a large jar. In a vase, it can be accompanied, for example, by tulips 'Françoise', 'Greenstar' and 'Purple Tower', or by vintage-toned florist's Ranunculus, soft pink oriental hyacinths, and a few branches of jasmine for fragrance. With infinite colour variations, solid and resistant flowers, long flowering period, usable both in flower beds and to enhance your bouquets, the popularity of double early tulips is well-established. They are unrivalled for bringing the colours of spring to pots or sunny gardens. Don't forget to consider the height and flowering period when designing your flower beds, as these parameters vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is wise to plant a few more bulbs for cutting, as they make beautiful long-lasting cut flowers.