Tulipa kaufmanniana Johann Strauss

The Tulip kaufmanniana 'Johann Strauss' is a variety of Tulip derived from a botanical species, it is easy to grow, floriferous and early flowering. It offers above its beautiful marbled foliage white flowers, yellow at the base and nicely streaked with red. The narrow and elongated bud opens under the sun, unfolding a corolla that resembles that of a water lily. This hardy bulbous plant naturalises easily in the garden, and faithfully blooms year after year. Planted en masse, kaufmanniana tulips form a carpet full of vivacity, from the first beautiful days. They thrive in well-drained soil, moist in winter and spring, in the sun until May-June, and rest in summer in dry soil.

Originally from the mountains of Central Asia, the modest Kaufmann Tulip spreads in large carpets on the dry and rocky meadows of its native Turkestan. This species is the origin of numerous hybrids and cultivars with vibrant colours, including the variety 'Johan Strauss', which also carries the genes of the robust and vibrant Tulipa greigii. The bulb is round, covered with a brown tunic, and measures about 3 cm (1in) in diameter. In spring, the plant forms a small tuft composed of 2 to 5 lanceolate leaves, bluish green marbled with brown-red, 10 to 25 cm (4 to 10in) long. The floral stem of 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) in height bears in April a flower with 6 pointed petals, 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) in diameter, which opens widely in the sun, almost flat, and at that moment resembles more a water lily than a tulip. The corolla closes when the sun hides. 'Johan Strauss' exhibits tricoloured flowers, widely splashed with bright red on the outside, a vibrant colour.

Kaufmann tulips are very hardy and faithful plants. They prefer cold and humid winters and love dry summers. They are excellent tulips to naturalise in a meadow: they bloom early and their foliage dries fairly quickly. So just wait a little before the first mowing and avoid watering the lawn in summer: a small gesture for both the wallet and the environment, which will be rewarded with a beautiful carpet of flowers from the first warm days. Muscari, Crocus chrysanthus and violets can also animate this expanse of grass from the end of winter. Water lily tulips can be used in rockeries or at the base of deciduous trees and shrubs with late foliage like deciduous euonymus, or with light foliage like Caragana, Sambucus nigra or Kolvitzia amabilis. 'Johan Strauss', with its sparkling flowering, pairs well with anemone blanda and Ipheons, which bloom around the same time, in March, or even earlier depending on the region.  You can also place it in pots on your terrace or balcony.