Tulipa 'Nachwacht'

The 'Nachtwacht' Early Double Tulip is a superb new variety, with very double corollas of dark purple-red, finely brushed with white. This tulip pays a beautiful tribute to the painting of the same name by the artist Rembrandt. Sumptuous, mysterious, yet delicate, its flower offers wonderful possibilities for combinations with other tulips in its category, as well as with the full range of pastel or flamboyant tones. Carried by a strong stem, it blooms early in the season, after the early single tulips, and lasts a long time, both in the garden and in a vase.

The 'Nachtwacht' Tulip, like all tulips, belongs to the Liliaceae family. Of horticultural origin, it is currently classified in the group of early double tulips, whose main characteristic is to flower at the same height, making it a category appreciated by enthusiasts of well-arranged flowerbeds. Perched on strong stems of 35-40cm (14-16in), just above the broadly lanceolate leaves, the very double flowers, although relatively small in size, resemble peony flowers. They are particularly attractive for their quite unusual colour, intense and dark red to violet-purple, irregularly brushed with white. No flower is alike, some even have completely white petals or pale orange hues, which contrast beautifully with their violet neighbours. The flowering takes place in April, in the heart of the tulip season.

With their rich colours, sturdy and resilient flowers, which can be used in flowerbeds as well as in bouquets, the reputation of early double tulips is well established. It is no coincidence that they are among the most commonly used varieties for cut flowers. Unmatched for bringing the colours of spring to pots or sunny gardens, don't forget to consider the height and flowering period of tulips when designing your flowerbeds, as these parameters can 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. 'Nachtwacht', with its dark colour, contrasts beautifully with the white of 'Cardinal Mindszenty', the pink-red of 'Eternal Flame', as well as with the blue flowers of grape hyacinths or wood hyacinths.