Tulipa 'Fontainebleau'

The Triumph Tulip 'Fontainebleau' carries in April, at the top of a tall but sturdy stem, an original and graphic flower, with a large, stout cup in a dark purple elegantly edged with white on each petal. Magnificent in a bouquet, it will be superb in the garden in the company of mauve or soft pink varieties. Its association with blue flowers and the silver foliage of Brunneras is very romantic.

The 'Fontainebleau' Tulip, introduced in 1997 by INRA, belongs to the Liliaceae family. Of horticultural origin, it is currently classified in the 'Triumph' group, whose main characteristic is to have flowers in a narrow cup. Perched on tall stems of 50cm (20in) well above the broadly lanceolate leaves, the wide cups of 6cm (2in) show six "petals" (more precisely tepals) of a very dark purple-red edged with white. They are carried by sturdy, lofty stems of perfect length in bouquets. Flowering takes place in April, in the middle of the tulip season, allowing for numerous associations with other varieties and other garden flowers.

The 'Fontainebleau' Triumph tulip finds its place in large flowerbeds in tight groups for a remarkable color effect. Combine it with other tulips, mauve, white or pink, which also helps maximize the flowering period of the flowerbeds. Mix it with daffodils, Caucasian forget-me-nots, wood hyacinths or even Corsican Hellebores and Euphorbias, and you will create surprising scenes. It can also be planted in borders, rockeries, flower beds, as well as in pots and containers. This tulip enhances balconies and terraces very well. It goes perfectly with tall perennials and adds to the elegance of bouquets. In a vase, use very little water, just a little is enough! Moreover, if your tulips open too quickly, you can add two to three ice cubes to the vase every day.