Tulipa Washington - Triumph Tulip

The 'Washington' Triumph Tulip is a truly flamboyant Rembrandt-type variety. Its red-flamed yellow flowers create a striking effect under the spring sun when they bloom in large numbers. Each stem, very sturdy against the elements, carries a flower with a unique but always vibrant pattern. Stunning in a flower border or in a flower bed, with forget-me-nots or yarrows for example.

The 'Washington' Tulip belongs to the Lily family. Originally horticultural, introduced to the market in 1981, it is currently classified in the group of "Triumph" tulips, resulting from a cross-breeding between "early single" and "Darwin" tulips. However, it can also be classified in the horticultural category of "Rembrandt" tulips, division 9. Their main characteristic is to have differently variegated bicoloured flowers. In the past, these tulips were ordinary plants affected by a virus spread by the green peach aphid. It was the virus that was responsible for the variegation of the flowers. Nowadays, Rembrandt tulips are the result of cross-breeding and selection. This variety 'Washington' develops a sturdy flower stem of about 45 cm (18in) in height. Its fully open flower measures 6-8 cm (2-3in) in diameter. The petals are randomly flamed with scarlet red on a bright yellow background. The flowering occurs in April or early May, towards the middle of the tulip season. The foliage emerges from the ground in spring. It consists of large lanceolate leaves, 10 to 35 cm (4 to 14in) long, with a glaucous green colour that turns yellow and then dries up a few weeks after flowering, when the bulb enters its rest period.

Triumph tulips are ideal for bringing the colours of spring 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 beautiful long-lasting cut flowers. The 'Washington' tulip finds its place in large flower beds, in association with other white, yellow, orange or red tulips. Forget-me-nots, yarrows or grape hyacinths will enhance its flamboyant colours. Also plant this tulip at the base of a purple-foliaged bush or golden-yellow foliage bush, the combination of colours and textures is interesting. Tulips are also very good cut flowers.