Tulipa Formosa - Viridiflora Tulip

The 'Formosa' Tulip is an old Viridiflora variety that has not lost any of its freshness. Its flower, which opens like a "lily-flowered" variety, displays a large green flame in the centre of each yellow petal. This tulip lights up the garden towards the end of the season planted in groups, or cut for large bouquets. It is quite perennial in the garden. Plant it among imperial fritillaries or 'Pipit' narcissus, for example.

The 'Formosa' Viridiflora Tulip belongs to the Lily family. Of horticultural origin, introduced in 1926 by Polman-Mooy, it is currently classified in Division 8, which is currently the least significant group, closely related to that of late single tulips. The main characteristics of Viridiflora are late flowering and presenting striped or flamed green flowers. The rather short 'Formosa' variety will reach about 35 cm in height. Its flowers resemble those of lily-flowered tulips in shape. But their six "petals" (more precisely tepals) are wider and distinctly flamed with green in the centre. The background colour is a light yellow becoming brighter yellow as time goes by. The flowers are perched on stems that rise well above the widely lanceolate, glaucous leaves. Flowering takes place at the end of May or in June, depending on the climate. Another advantage of the Viridiflora Tulip is that its flowers remain beautiful for a long time, at least three weeks. It is an excellent cut flower.

The 'Formosa' viridiflora Tulip pairs well with many garden flowers. This variety will particularly enhance red, orange, and pink tones. Mix it with 'Louvre' or 'Amazing Parrot' tulips, for example. It can be paired with both biennials and perennials or planted in small touches in rockeries. You can plant 'Tasso Strawberries & Cream' daisies, chamomiles, forget-me-nots, alchemillas... It is also a charming cut flower!