Tulipa Picture - Crown tulip

The Tulip 'Picture' is a variety remarkable for the uniqueness of its flowering, which clearly distinguishes it from typical tulips. Borne on long sturdy stems, its lilac-pink flowers have an unusual shape: the laterally compressed and pointed petals open to form a corolla that evokes the stylised shape of a crown. Its graphic appearance is particularly appreciated in spring borders and floral arrangements in vases.

The Tulip 'Picture' belongs to the Coronet group, a distinct horticultural group defined by the specific shape of its flowers. It is also part of the single late tulips which flower after the single early tulips. Cultivated since 1949 and selected by G. Baltus, the 'Picture' is now a historical variety, but still appreciated for its majestic habit and magnificent colouring in shades of lilac-tinged pink. Once fully open, the flowers reache approximately 7 to 8 cm in diameter, while maintaining a slender and graphic appearance. This variety flowers in May, more or less early depending on the climate, on stems of 60 cm. Like all tulips, this bulbous plant belongs to the Liliaceae family and grows well in well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade. Its robust stems resist rain, holding the flowers well above the light green, broadly lanceolate foliage. The foliage dries up a few weeks after flowering, while the bulb enters dormancy.

The Tulip 'Picture' adds a very graphic note to spring borders. It will blend into an elegant display mixing the almost black Tulip 'Queen of the Night' and Tulip 'Menton', with its salmon-pink hues. Make these tulips emerge from the silvery foliage of the artemisia Artemisia 'Valerie Finnis', which will highlight their colouring while lightening the whole. The 'Picture' can be used equally well in structured borders as in containers on the patio, where it will play a solo role in a sober and contemporary setting.