Tulipa crispa 'Siesta'

Tulipa 'Siesta' is a very pretty fringed tulip variety, beautifully bicolour and well-behaved. Its delicately fringed flower, bright pink edged with pure white, is both colourful and very pleasing. This semi-late variety brings a personal touch to flower beds and bouquets. Stunning with blue irises, forget-me-nots, and Chinese peonies.

The Dentate Tulip 'Siesta' belongs to the lily family. Of horticultural origin, registered in 2000 in the Netherlands, it is classified in the 'Crispa' group, whose main characteristic is to have finely dentate petal tips. This tulip will reach 50cm (20in) in height when in bloom. Flowering generally takes place in early May, but it may be slightly later depending on the climate. The flowers are single, of classic shape, with a slightly open cup, superbly bicolour, in pink and white. The pure white edge of the petals is finely cut, resembling frost crystals. The thick-textured flowers last a long time and allow the tulip season to be extended until May. The foliage yellows and then dries out some time after flowering. This 'Siesta' tulip faithfully returns every year under good growing conditions if protected from rodents. For example, use a plastic bulb basket.

In the world of flowers, there is truly nothing comparable to dentate tulips to spice up your spring garden with something unique. The 'Siesta' Tulip is a very pretty flower for perennial beds and bouquets. Plant the bulbs in small groups of 5, in the company of plants that will fill the space after flowering. To accompany it, choose for example white tulips ('Snow Crystal'), pink ('Pink Diamond'), or purple ('Negrita' Double) tulips. Create a beautiful scene with Purple Wood Spurge and 'Delta Blues' iris. By choosing dentate tulips, you will bring a unique touch to your bouquets. Only put very little water in their vase, just enough for the bottom. Also, if your tulips open too quickly, you can add two to three ice cubes to the vase each day.