Tulipa Aafke - Early simple Tulip

The Early Single Tulip 'Aafke' opens the tulip season with splendour. Its relatively short and firm, fragrant flowers have mauve petals heavily tinged with warm pink in the centre and bordered by a wide lighter zone. Its strong and sturdy, medium-height stem, is perfect for cut flowers. It emerges from spring flowerbeds without drooping in the rain. It would be enhanced by a carpet of forget-me-nots or white Alyssum.

The 'Aafke' Tulip, introduced to the market in 1993, belongs to the Lily family. Of horticultural origin, it is a recent creation that is currently classified in Division 1 of tulips, whose main characteristic is early flowering. It is of modest size and will reach 30-40 cm (12-16in) high when in bloom. The medium-sized flowers are perched on strong stems often washed with purple, well above the broadly lanceolate leaves. They have a thick texture and a richly nuanced colour palette of pink, mauve, and almost white lavender pink, halfway between pastel and vibrant tones, in a balanced and elegant range.

The reputation of early single tulips is well established with a wide, almost infinite, range of colours and solid and resistant flowers, as effective in flowerbeds as they are long-lasting in bouquets. They are among the most planted varieties and unmatched for bringing spring color to pots or sunny gardens. Remember to consider the height and flowering period when designing your flowerbeds, as these can vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is a good idea to plant a few more bulbs to cut for beautiful bloom as early as Christmas.