Tulipa Verona

Double Early Tulip, Tulipa 'Verona' is one of those cultivars that has been coveted by amateur gardeners since its introduction in 1991. The double flower of this variety blooms in a large, open, and well-formed cup, then unfolds like a peony or a gardenia with multiple translucent petals of a soft cream-yellow, streaked with white on the inside. This flower is as fresh as spring and lightly scented, perched at the end of a short, weather-resistant stem that emerges from broad bluish foliage. Its flowering follows the early single tulips.

The 'Verona' Tulip belongs to the Lily family. Of horticultural origin, it is currently classified in the group of double early tulips, whose main characteristic is that they all flower at the same height, making them a popular choice for well-organised flowerbeds. They are often available in a mix of colours under the name 'Murillo' tulips. Perched on sturdy 35 cm (14in) stems, just above the widely lanceolate leaves, the double, 8 cm (3in) wide flowers, in pastel yellow and white, open almost flat. They flower in April, in the heart of the tulip season.

Double early peony-flowered tulips are famous for their variety of colours and strong and resistant flowers, suitable for flowerbeds and bouquets. They are among the varieties most commonly used for cut flowers and unmatched for bringing the colours of spring to pots or sunny gardens. Remember to consider the height and flowering period of tulips when designing your flowerbeds, as these can vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is a good idea to plant a few extra bulbs for beautiful long-lasting cut flowers.

About botanical species: Wild tulips are found from Western Europe to China and Japan, passing through Eastern Europe, Asia Minor, 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, many of which are endangered. They are either large tulips from cultivated fields, the most well-known being the Agen tulip (Tulipa agenensis), or small tulips found in wooded areas or on rocky slopes in the mountains. In cultivation, these are called "botanical tulips", and one of the most common is the wood tulip (Tulipa sylvestris), which often used to grow under the protection of vines and whose subspecies australis is known as the southern tulip.