Tulipa Moonblush - Lily flowering Tulip

The lily-flowered Tulip 'Moonblush' first catches the eye with its changing shades that colour its long slender petals. During its flowering, it goes through different shades of orange, salmon, pink, and yellow. It is a relatively recent variety that will have a beautiful effect when planted en masse in a flower bed or border. It can also be planted in a planter or pot to decorate a balcony or terrace. As long as it thrives in a sunny spot with rich and well-drained soil.

If the grace of this tulip lies in its contrasting colours, it is also interesting for its long slender petals that are pointed like stars. This particular shape gives it a crazy charm and brings a touch of originality to your flower beds or borders. Especially if they are planted en masse. Firmly planted on sturdy but delicate-looking stems, the 'Moonblush' lily-flowered tulips can reach a height of 40cm (16in) to 50cm (20in). A height that makes them perfect candidates for cut flower bouquets. This slender variety of tulip with single flowers has lanceolate, slim foliage that adds charm and elegance to your flower beds.

A member of the Liliaceae family, this lily-flowered tulip blooms later than other tulip varieties. Its flowering occurs between late April and late May and also has the peculiarity of being evolving. During the day, the flowers fully bloom only to curl up on themselves in the evening, like a spider. It belongs to division 6 tulips, which are recognized by their delicately cut flowers at the tips of the petals and their upright habit. The changing colours in shades of orange of the 'Moonblush' lily-flowered tulip enhance flower beds, borders, and rock gardens. Planted in large numbers, they will create a successful mass effect. You can associate them with Burgundy lily-flowered tulips, whose purple colour will match perfectly with the orange colors of the 'Moonblush'. Or even with 'Ballad' lily-flowered tulips. Asian 'Picotee Café au Lait' ranunculus will also make a successful marriage with these tulips. To create a contrast of colours, you can also plant them alongside flowers with intense blue like Anemone coronaria 'Mr Fokker', the Crocus tommasinianus 'Barr's Purple', or an Allium. The lily-flowered tulip also thrives in pots and planters on a balcony or terrace.

To grow and bloom, the 'Moonblush' lily-flowered tulip needs a sunny or semi-shaded location and rich, well-drained soil. Planting in a sheltered spot is also recommended due to the length of its stem. Although resistant to bad weather, it does not appreciate too strong winds that can break its unique inflorescence. The bulbs of the 'Moonblush' lily-flowered tulip, about 12cm (5in) in size, should be planted in autumn, between October and December. Plant at a depth of 15cm (6in), spaced 10 to 12cm (4 to 5in) apart. Planting should be done in ordinary soil, well worked and well drained. Tulips tolerate neutral, slightly acidic, or calcareous soils. You can add some well-decomposed compost to the soil. After flowering, let the leaves wither so that the plant can regenerate and in summer, water only in case of intense drought.