Tulipa 'Nirvana'

The Nirvana Tulip, unavailable in the horticultural trade, is a magnificent double tulip, almost white, with just a touch of cream at the base of each petal. Its peony-like flower bursts from a calyx flamed with green, in perfect harmony with the swirling creamy petals. Spectacular, they measure about 15cm (6in) in diameter! Its late flowering, in May-June, delightful in the garden as well as in bouquets, beautifully concludes the tulip season.

The 'Nirvana' Tulip belongs to the lily family. Of horticultural origin, obtained in 2015 in the Netherlands, it was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. A distinction that rewards the best garden plants. It is currently classified in the group of 'Late Double Tulips', whose main characteristic is to have very double and crinkled flowers, long-lasting, carried by sturdy stems. 'Nirvana' is of small size (35cm (14in)) and its flower is of beautiful size, very double and well open. It shows excellent durability. Its range of colours includes pure white and pale cream, with pretty flames of acid green on the outside. It is a real delight when its buds slowly open in a vase, gradually shedding their petals like a shower of pearly petals. The flowering starts relatively late, in May, when other tulips have long since faded.

Varied colours, tender or vibrant, opulent and naive flowers, late double tulips bring fantasy and romance to pots or sunny gardens, alongside the most beautiful spring blooms or pastel tulips like 'Angelique', 'Creme Up Star' and 'Maureen Double', or, conversely, dark ones like 'Queen of Night' or 'Cuban Night'. Don't forget to consider the height and flowering period when designing your flowerbeds, as these parameters vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is wise to plant a few more bulbs for bouquets, as they last a long time in a vase, and that's where the fragrant flowers of 'Apricot Angelique' will give the greatest satisfaction.