Tulipa Fire Wings - Lily flowering Tulip

Tulipa 'Fire Wings' carries its name like a torch. Its variegated flower of red and yellow, enhanced by the graceful curve of its pointed and slightly recurved petals, resembles a flame or the wings of an exotic bird. Astonishing when planted en masse, it is the queen of cut flowers and is ideal for creating unique bouquets. It is a late-flowering variety. It persists well in the garden. 

Lily-flowered tulips were created at the beginning of the 20th century. They have retained the robustness and simplicity of their ancestor, the magnificent Tulipa acuminata. This botanical species originates from Turkey. It became extinct in the wild, but survived, in its red and yellow form, among English and Dutch enthusiasts. One can find acuminated tulips of all kinds on the frescoes and ceramics of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, already adored at that time by the sultans. The flower undergoes a surprising metamorphosis, going from spider-like to lily-flowered in the span of a day. 

'Fire Wings' was introduced in the Netherlands in 2004. Like all tulips, it belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is classified in division 6 of horticultural tulips. The main characteristics of this category are as follows: they bear single flowers and bloom in the second half of spring, the cups are narrow, the pointed tepals are recurved at opening and open in an 8cm (3in) wide star shape. During the day, these flowers become spider-like and widely open. The red is found towards the base of the corolla. It is randomly and irregularly flamed with yellow along the edge. This variety will reach a height of approximately 45cm (18in) when in bloom. Flowering takes place at the end of April or beginning of May. The foliage is thinner than that of other tulips. Each solitary flower is supported by a seemingly delicate stem, but resistant to inclement weather.

'Fire Wings' boasts red and yellow tones in a dazzling display. The flowers seem almost transparent when the sun shines through its petals. It finds its place in large beds, planted in small groups, for example, between blue or green flowers. As its flowering is late, it extends the season. Pair it with wood hyacinths (Scilla nutans) or Siberian squills to create a colourful scene. Alternatively, plant it with Corsican hellebores and euphorbias. It can also be planted in pots and containers to beautify balconies and patios. It is ideal for creating 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. Many varieties of lily-flowered tulips are grown for forcing and produce cut flowers for a large part of the year.