Tulipa Cardinal Mindszenty

Tulipa Cardinal Midszenty is a historic variety with a magnificent, pure white peony-like flower early in spring. It has a slight fragrance and is gracefully ruffled when fully open. Its solitary flower appears huge at the top of a very short stem that emerges from lush and wavy foliage. One of the first to bloom in the garden, it has long captured the hearts of gardeners, just like the beautiful Angelique will do next. Combine them both in a bed, with small Cardinal Midszenty in the front row, and tall Angelique behind it, and their flowering will succeed each other for almost 2 months!

Tulipa 'Cardinal Midszenty' was introduced in 1949 in the Netherlands and belongs to the Liliaceae family. Of horticultural origin and considered a historic variety, it is officially classified in the group of 'Early Double Tulips', whose main characteristic is large double flowers, resembling peonies, carried by short stems. 'Cardinal Midszenty' will reach about 25 cm (10in) high when in bloom. The brightly coloured flowers are perched on sturdy stems, just above the broadly lanceolate leaves. They have a diameter of up to 11 cm (4in) and stand out well in the garden. The very rounded corolla of this tulip is set in a casing of petals more or less flecked with almond green on opening and each flower reveals a dark yellow throat punctuated with golden stamens when fully open. They will flower in March-April, at the beginning of the tulip season.

'Cardinal Midszenty' is a tulip worthy of the most beautiful canvases of the Flemish masters, or in a bridal bouquet. Its white, modest size, precious flowers can be combined with all other flowers. It will be sensational when paired with Belle Epoque Tulip, Sweet Amy, and Purple Pion Tulip or forget-me-nots and grape hyacinths. Its beautiful white, water lily-like flowers can be placed in a bowl with daisies and fern leaves to create a very pretty centrepiece. Early double tulips are well-known for their richly coloured, sturdy and often fragrant flowers, usable in beds, rockeries and bouquets.

Tulips are unmatched for bringing early-season charm to pots or sunny gardens. Remember to consider the height and flowering period of your tulips when designing your beds, as these can vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is a good idea to plant a few more bulbs for superb cut flowers that last a long time in a vase.