Tulipa 'Sweet Amy'

The 'Sweet Amy' Tulip, still unavailable in horticultural trade, is a very recent variety that is reminiscent of the famous 'Apple Blossom' Tulip. However, it is even more double, rounder, more colourful, and more extraordinary than its predecessor. This new queen of pink tulips blooms like a cabbage rose, in a sumptuous gradient of pink tones, then becomes peony-like before fading. Its solitary flower appears huge at the top of a very short stem that emerges from abundant and undulate foliage. One of the first to bloom in the garden, it is ready to conquer the hearts of gardeners, just like the beautiful 'Angelique' did before her. Combine them both in a flower bed: the small 'Sweet Amy', in the front row, and the tall 'Angelique' behind her: their flowering will follow one another for almost 2 months!

The 'Sweet Amy' Tulip, introduced in 2014 in the Netherlands, belongs to the Liliaceae family. Of horticultural origin, very little is known about the genealogy of this wonder. It is officially classified in the group of 'double early tulips', whose main characteristic is to present large double flowers, resembling peonies, carried by rather short stems. 'Sweet Amy' will reach about 25cm (10in) in height when in bloom. Perched on sturdy stems, just above the widely lanceolate leaves, the flowers, with a diameter of up to 11cm (4in), stand out in the garden with their delicious colouration, varying from delicate pink to almost red. At the opening, the very globular corolla of this tulip is set in a frame of green almond-washed petals. Each flower has its own personality, revealing at maturity a white throat punctuated with yellow stamens. The flowering takes place in March-April, at the beginning of the tulip season. Sometimes, up to 3 flowers can be found per stem!

'Sweet Amy' is a tulip worthy of being featured in the most beautiful works of Flemish masters. Romantic to the core, due to its modest size and precocity, it pairs particularly well with small spring bulbs with blue flowers, such as Muscari, Siberian squills, and Chionodoxa, as well as with Ipheions. Its combination with the 'Belle Epoque' Tulip and the 'Purple Pion' Tulip is sensational. With their rich colours, sturdy and often fragrant flowers, suitable for flower beds, rock gardens, and bouquets, the fame of double early tulips is well-established.

Unmatched for bringing early-season fancy to pots or sunny gardens, don't forget to consider the height and flowering period of your tulips when designing your flower beds, as these parameters vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is wise to plant a few extra bulbs for cutting, as they make beautiful cut flowers that last a long time in a vase.