Tulipa 'Garden Party'

The Triumph Tulip 'Garden Party' is an excellent old variety with a short but particularly intense flowering period. In May, it produces elegant cup-shaped flowers with a wide border of bright carmine red. Each stem, very sturdy in adverse weather conditions, carries a single flower. Superb in a flower border or mass planting, with forget-me-nots or yarrows for example.

The Triumph Tulip 'Garden Party' belongs to the family of Liliaceae. Horticulturally originated, introduced to the market in 1944, it is currently classified in the 'Triumph' group, characterized by narrow cup-shaped flowers. The "Triumph" tulips are the result of cross-breeding between "early single" tulips and "Darwin" tulips. This Garden Party variety develops a sturdy flower stem of about 40cm (16in) in height. Its flower measures about 6cm (2in) in diameter and is remarkably bicoloured. The flowering occurs between late April and May, towards the end of the tulip season. The foliage emerges from the ground in spring. It consists of large lanceolate leaves, 10 to 35cm (4 to 14in) long, with a glaucous green colour that turns yellow and then dries a few weeks after flowering, when the bulb enters its dormant stage.

Triumph tulips are unmatched for bringing spring colour 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 gorgeous long-lasting cut flowers. The 'Garden Party' tulip finds its place in large flower beds, in association with other white, pink, mauve, or purple tulips, as well as with blue flowers. Forget-me-nots, wood hyacinths, or grape hyacinths will enhance its warm hues. Also plant this Boston tulip at the base of a Japanese maple with purple foliage, the combination of colours and textures is perfect. Tulips are also beautiful flowers for cutting.