Tulipa Aquilla- Double Early Tulip

The 'Aquilla' Early Double Tulip is a superb variety of tulip with semi-double flowers, in a pastel yellow colour adorned with an ornamental red-orange edge on the petals. They are arranged in overlapping layers, giving its large flower a generous appearance. Of medium size, carried by a sturdy stem, it enlivens borders as well as bouquets, after the flowering of early single tulips.

The 'Aquilla' Early Double Tulip belongs to the Lily family. Originally horticultural, native to the Netherlands, it is currently classified in the group of early double tulips, whose main characteristic is to bloom at the same height, making it a popular category for enthusiasts of well-organised borders. The 'Aquilla' Early Double Tulip has an average height, reaching about 40 centimetres (16 inches) in height. Its sturdy and upright stems gracefully support the magnificent flowers, which emerge above the dark green lanceolate foliage. Its open and wide flowers are in a pastel yellow colour, adorned with a red-orange border. Flowering takes place in April, in the heart of the tulip season. Its flowering period is relatively short but intense. Each flower typically measures between 8 and 10 centimetres (3 and 4 inches) in diameter.

Like most tulips, the 'Aquilla' Early Double Tulip prefers well-drained and sunny soils. These tulips are known to be hardy and easy to grow, making them perfect for beginner gardeners. They are among the most commonly used varieties for cut flowers, so plant a few extra to fill your vases. They make beautiful potted plants and harmoniously blend with other spring bulbs. They can be associated with hyacinths, daffodils, or grape hyacinths to create stunning floral compositions. They are also beautiful when planted in borders or beds, combined with other tulips in complementary or contrasting colours, such as red, yellow, or orange. Finally, associate them with perennials that hide their faded foliage, such as perennial geraniums, euphorbias, or sedges.

 About botanical species: Wild tulips are found from Western Europe to China and Japan, passing through Eastern Europe, Asia Minor, and Central Asia. Their distribution area also includes North Africa and the Indian subcontinent. The centre of diversity for the genus is located in the Pamir and Hindu Kush mountains and the steppes of Kazakhstan.

In France, there are various wild species, many of which are endangered. These are either large adventive tulips from cultivated fields, the most well-known being the Agen tulip (Tulipa agenensis), or small tulips found in wooded areas or on rocky slopes, in the mountains. In cultivation, they are called "botanical tulips," and one of the most common is the wood tulip (Tulipa sylvestris), which used to often grow sheltered by vineyards and whose subspecies australis is known as the southern tulip.