Tulipa Viking- Double Early Tulip

The 'Viking' Early Double Tulip is dressed entirely in red. Its ample, round, and double robe is entirely silky red, illuminated by a lemon yellow heart. Delicately scented, resembling a peony, this tulip from the group of early double tulips blooms in April on 35 cm (14in) stems. The petals are arranged in overlapping layers, giving the flower a lush and full appearance. Of medium size, carried by a sturdy stem, it brings life to borders as well as bouquets, after the flowering of early single tulips.

The 'Viking' Early Double Tulip belongs to the Lily family. Originally from horticulture and native to the Netherlands, it is currently classified in the group of early doubles, whose main characteristic is to bloom at the same height, making it a popular category for enthusiasts of well-organised flower beds. The 'Viking' Early Double Tulip has a medium height, reaching approximately 40 centimetres (16 inches) in height. Its strong and straight stems gracefully support the magnificent flowers, which emerge above the dark green lanceolate foliage. Its round and full flowers are a beautiful bright red, with a lemon yellow throat. Flowering takes place in April, in the heart of the tulip season. Its flowering period is relatively short but intense. Each flower generally measures between 8 and 10 centimetres (3 and 4 inches) in diameter.

Like most tulips, the 'Viking' Early Double Tulip prefers well-drained and sunny soils. These tulips are known to be hardy and easy to grow, making them perfect for beginner gardeners. They are among the most popular varieties for cut flowers, so plant a few extra to fill your vases. They make beautiful potted arrangements and harmonise well with other spring bulbs. They can be paired with hyacinths, daffodils, or grape hyacinths to create stunning floral compositions. They are also beautiful when planted in flower beds or borders, in combination with other tulips in complementary, red, yellow, or orange colours, or contrasting ones. Finally, associate them with perennials that hide their faded foliage, such as perennial geraniums, euphorbias, or sedges.

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

In Europe, there are various wild species, many of which are endangered. These are either large adventive tulips from 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, they are called "botanical tulips," and one of the most common ones is the wood tulip (Tulipa sylvestris), which used to often grow sheltered by vines and whose subspecies australis is known as the southern tulip.