Tulipa Violet Beauty

The late single Tulip 'Violet Beauty' lives up to its name, as its perfectly cup-shaped flowers are of a delightful mauve lilac colour, a mix of pink and blue, with petals veined in pink revealing a white interior when fully open. Sumptuous amidst its pointed and bluish foliage, its flowers pair well with fresh pink, purple, or white-cream shades in pastel and poetic floral arrangements in the garden, and in a vase. It blooms in late spring, in May.

The 'Violet Beauty' Tulip belongs to the Lily family. Of horticultural origin, it is currently classified in Division 5, whose main characteristic is late-season flowering. It will reach a height of 55 cm (22in) when in bloom. Perched on stems well above the lanceolate, blue-green leaves, the flowers are elongated, elegant, of thick substance, and last a long time in bouquets. It will flower in May - June, making it useful in the garden. 

Late single tulips are famous for their rich colours and strong and robust flowers, suitable for flower beds and cut flower arrangements. They are among the most planted varieties and unmatched for bringing the colours of spring to pots or sunny gardens. Remember to consider the height and flowering period when designing your flower beds, as these parameters can vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is wise to plant a few more bulbs for beautiful cut flowers that last a long time in a vase.

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

There are various wild species, most of which are endangered. They are either large tulips originally from crops, the most well-known being the Agen tulip (Tulipa agenensis), or small tulips found in wooded areas or on rocky slopes of mountains. In cultivation, these are called "botanical tulips," and one of the most common ones is the wild tulip (Tulipa sylvestris), which often used to grow under the protection of vines and whose subspecies australis is known as the southern tulip.