Tulipa Rhapsody of Smiles - Single late tulip

The Single Late Tulip 'Rhapsody of Smiles' offers an elegant and tall habi, with large cup-shaped flowers blending golden yellow with red-orange flares. Robust and weather-resistant, it thrives in open ground or in pots thanks to its sturdy stem. Visually striking, it decorates the foreground of beds, borders, and vase arrangements. Remember to cut the faded flowers while allowing the foliage to yellow naturally to strengthen the following year's flowering.

Belonging to the Liliaceae family, the Tulip 'Rhapsody of Smiles' is a variety of Tulipa × gesneriana resulting from a specimen of the 'Big Smile' cultivar selected by W. van Lierop & Zonen in 2011 in the Netherlands. This cultivar is distinguished by its late flowering in May with large single, slightly fragrant, calyx-shaped flowers blending golden hues with red-orange flames. It has an erect habit on a sturdy stem typically measuring 40–55 cm, with rapid growth from spring, reaching its full dimensions within weeks after emergence. Not very prolific in offsets, this tulip multiplies mainly through bulbs. The open flowers measure about 7–8 cm in diameter, formed of six fleshy tepals. The foliage is deciduous, formed of 4 to 6 ovoid to lanceolate, 5–7 cm wide, bluish-green leaves with sometimes veined foliage. The green stem is cylindrical and glabrous. The root system is bulbous, with a large central bulb (11–12 cm in circumference) emitting superficial fasciculate roots.

The tulip 'Rhapsody of Smiles' reaches its full expression when planted in generous clumps. Its proud and colourful appearance makes it ideal for sunny settings, planted en masse under still bare trees or along the edges of structured beds. To enhance its brilliance, pair it with the silver foliage of Stachys or the nuanced blue of Muscari, whose texture subtly contrasts with its upright silhouette. It pairs wonderfully with the deep purple tones of the 'Black Hero' tulip, the slender white of 'White Triumphator', and the 'Ballerina', whose bright orange accentuates the visual contrast. In a pot on a sunny patio, it becomes a cheerful and refined landmrk, revealing its stature even in the smallest spaces.

Don't forget to consider the height and flowering period when designing your beds, as these parameters vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is wise to plan for a few extra bulbs for cutting as tulips last a long time in a vase.