Tulipa Menton - Early simple Tulip

The 'Menton' Tulip is sought after for its nuanced colour, both soft and warm, which is not common among tulips. Carried by a long and sturdy stem, this majestic flower, with an oval corolla, offers satin petals ranging from true pink to salmon pink bordered with orange under the sun. It pairs beautifully with airy roses and fuchsias.

The 'Menton' Tulip, introduced in 1971, belongs to the Liliaceae family. This superb variety has been awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society for its ornamental qualities and performance in the garden. Originally horticultural in origin, it is currently classified in the group of 'late singles' or Division 5, which flower at the end of the tulip season in May-June, making them very useful in the garden to accompany the first summer flowers. It is a seedling of the famous 'Renown' tulip. This tall tulip reaches a height of 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in) when in bloom.

Perched on stems well above the widely lanceolate leaves of a green-grey shade, the flowers are large, thick, elegant, and iridescent, with their tone changing with the light. The foliage dries up and disappears a few weeks after flowering, while the bulb goes into dormancy.

The late single tulip 'Menton', like all its sisters, has a unique charm in the garden, in the company of forget-me-nots, daisies, mignonettes, centaureas, etc. It finds its place in large beds, alongside perennials like peonies or pastel-toned sweet Williams. They also help extend the flowering duration of the beds. It can also be planted in borders, rockeries, flower beds, as well as in pots and containers. It is ideal for creating elegant bouquets. In a vase, only use a very small amount of water. Additionally, if your tulips open too quickly, you can add two or three ice cubes to the vase every day.

When designing your beds, don't forget to consider the height and flowering period, as these parameters vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is wise to plant a few more bulbs for cutting, as they are beautiful and last a long time in a vase.