Tulipa fosteriana 'Sweetheart'

Tulipa fosteriana 'Sweetheart' is a fairly old variety that is very resistant, naturalizes and will faithfully return for many years in the garden. Its large, bright, single flowers in the shape of narrow cups have a lemon yellow colour irregularly bordered with white-cream to ivory. With short and sturdy stems, weather-resistant and undemanding, it flowers quite early in the season, late March to early April. Fresh like spring in flower beds, it is also a superb cut flower for bouquets.

Tulipa fosteriana is a hardy botanical species originally from Turkestan. Tulips derived from T. fosteriana belong to division 13, they are reliable: they are among the first to bloom, sometimes as early as March 15th, and there is no need to replace them regularly. This bulbous plant produces sturdy but flexible stems 35 to 40cm (14 to 16in) tall when in flower, bearing at their tip a large cup-shaped corolla, which can reach a diameter of 12cm (5in), that opens and flares in the sun to reveal vibrant yellow to ivory shades. Its leaves are wide and somewhat greyish-green. 

Fosteriana tulips are suitable for all uses, in flower beds, borders, and even in bouquets for the taller varieties. Their sparkling yet elegant colours pair well with blue hyacinths, grape hyacinths, or with other white tulips. 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 cut flowers that last a long time in a vase. In pots and containers, they bring some spring colours to balconies and terraces.