Tulipa Purple Tower

The 'Purple Tower' Double Tulip is a very strange flower, which resembles more of a long artichoke than a tulip. Its flowers are composed of numerous tepals resembling the fleshy bracts of artichokes, varying from green-grey to variegated mauve, with fringed edges and arranged in layers. At the top of this 'tower' blooms a small corolla of very bright purple petals. This flowering occurs in April-May, carried by sturdy and solid stems. This surprising variety is rare in cultivation and will delight enthusiasts of truly original plants. Very different, but quite beautiful, 'Purple Tower' brings something different to your bouquets.

The 'Purple Tower' Tulip belongs to the Lily family. Of horticultural origin, it is currently classified in the group of 'Late Doubles', but also in the category of 'fringed' Tulips, whose main characteristic is to have finely toothed petal tips. This compact tulip will reach a height of 40 cm (16in) when in bloom in April-May, a little later than other tulips. The flowers are strangely formed, probably the result of a very rare mutation. The fringed edges of this tulip further enhance its unique personality. The flowers last a long time in a vase or in the garden and allow the tulip season to be extended until May.

Double tulips are famous for their wide range of colours and sturdy and resistant flowers, suitable for flower beds and bouquets. They are among the most planted varieties, unmatched for bringing the colours of spring to pots or sunny gardens. Remember to consider the height and flowering period when designing your flower beds, as these can vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is a good idea to plant a few more bulbs for beautiful cut flowers that last a long time in a vase. 'Purple Tower' is unique and pairs well with other pastel varieties, such as 'Françoise', 'La Belle Epoque' and 'Greenstar', in a large and "glamorous" bouquet.

About botanical species: Tulip species are found from Western Europe to China and Japan, through Eastern Europe, Asia Minor and Central Asia. Their distribution area also includes North Africa and the Indian subcontinent. The centre of diversity of the genus is in the Pamir and Hindu Kush mountains and the steppes of Kazakhstan.

There are various wild species, most of which are endangered. They are either large tulips originally from crops, such as the Agen tulip (Tulipa agenensis), or small tulips found in wooded areas or among rocks in the mountains. In cultivation, these are called "botanical tulips", and one of the most common is the wild tulip (Tulipa sylvestris), which often used to grow sheltered by vines and whose subspecies australis is known as the southern tulip.