'Barbados' Tulip Bulbs

One of the most fragrant tulips in the garden, 'Barbados' Tulip is full of surprises. The blooms begin solid green, their beautifully fringed edges tightly furled. Then, as they open, they turn a rich shade of crimson.

'Barbados' Tulip blooms in mid- to late season, sturdy and strong on 20- to 22-inch stems. The flowers are single, but the petals are so wide, elegantly curved, and fringed that they can appear to be double until fully open. Best of all, they share their sweet fragrance with surrounding flowers in the bulb garden, and make a very sweet bouquet.

Introduced in 1999, 'Barbados' is an exceptional cultivar. Give it protection from harsh winds and rains, and cut the flowers just as they begin to open, so that you can enjoy the full majesty of their show for an extra day or two. If you want to leave them in the garden, be sure to plant them beside a walkway or in the front of the border, where you can enjoy the details of their color patterning up close.

A splendid addition to any spring-blooming bulb garden, 'Barbados' Tulip will become a favorite in the vase as well. Make it part of your permanent garden beginning this season.