Tulipa Royal Acres- Double Early Tulip

The 'Royal Acres' Double Tulip has a beautiful, double, vibrant flower that resembles a peony in both its deep pink colour and the silky appearance of its petals, as well as its very pleasant fragrance. It blooms in early spring, carried by a short but sturdy stem that withstands harsh weather conditions. The strong presence of this tulip, almost fuchsia pink in full sun, will be tempered in partial shade, adding just the necessary touch of colour to a border at a time of year when flowers are not as abundant. For example, you can combine it with forget-me-nots, as in Monnet's garden in Giverny.

The 'Royal Acres' Tulip, introduced in the Netherlands in 2008, belongs to the Liliaceae family. Originally cultivated, it is currently classified in the group of early double tulips, whose main characteristic is to all bloom at the same height, making them a popular choice for well-arranged flowerbeds. They are often offered in a mix of colours under the name 'Murillo' tulips. Perched on the sturdy stems of 35-40cm (14-16in), above the broadly lanceolate leaves with a slightly glaucous green colour, the double cup-shaped flowers, beautifully formed, are fully open on a yellow centre. Their deep pink colour darkens slightly over time, revealing violet and silver reflections, almost metallic, on the slightly incurved edges of the petals. Flowering takes place in April-May, in the heart of the tulip season.

With their variety of colours, sturdy and resistant flowers, suitable for both flowerbeds and bouquets, the popularity of early single tulips is well established. They are unmatched for bringing the colours of spring to pots or sunny gardens. When designing your flowerbeds, don't forget to consider the height and flowering period, as these parameters vary significantly from one cultivar to another. For example, try combining the pastel tulips 'Mount Tacoma' (white) and 'Angélique' (pink) with the deeper colour of 'Royal Acres'. 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.