Tulipa Darwin hybrid Apeldoorn

Tulipa 'Apeldoorn' is a universally appreciated tulip, planted in gardens worldwide where it always catches the eye. Its large, egg-shaped flowers are cherry-red with a yellow base and edged with fiery red. The rapidly unfolding interior of the durable flower is also fiery red, around a black heart edged with yellow, adorned with black stamens. 'Apeldoorn' is a particularly reliable and vigorous variety, which naturalises very well in the garden and blooms again every year on long, weather-resistant stems. It flowers from mid to late spring. Sculptural and radiant in a monochrome mass, it is also an exceptional flower for bouquets. 

Tulipa 'Apeldoorn' belongs to the Liliaceae family. Of horticultural origin, it was obtained in 1951 in the Netherlands. This exceptional cultivar withstands everything without ever tiring amateurs and professionals. It is currently classified in Division 4, whose main characteristics are large single flowers of ovoid shape, appearing in the middle of the season, carried by long weather-resistant stems. Darwin hybrid tulips are the most cultivated type for the cut flower trade. 'Apeldoorn' is huge. It will reach a height of 55 to 65cm (22 to 26in) in bloom, and its fully open corollas will measure 15cm (6in) in diameter. The flowers bloom at the top of sturdy stems, well above the broadly lanceolate leaves. The large cups are initially elongated. Their vibrant colour consists of an incandescent blend of cherry-red, scarlet-red, and golden yellow at the base of the petals. The base of the flower is shaded green, while its small heart is speckled with black. The colour is enhanced by the thick texture of the petals. Flowering takes place in May-June, and each elegant flower lives for several days before wilting. This variety naturalises very easily in the garden, in fertile and well-drained soil.

Tulipa 'Apeldoorn' looks wonderful at the back of large, rather monochrome flower beds, or with yellow or purple varieties. Pair it with daffodils, jonquils, hyacinths, alchemilla, Corsican hellebores, and euphorbias for stunning scenes. It can be planted in borders, rockeries, flower beds, pots, and containers. This tulip beautifully enhances balconies and patios. It pairs perfectly with tall perennials. It also looks incredible in bouquets. Only use a little water in a vase. If your tulips open too quickly, you can add two to three ice cubes to the vase each day.