Tulipa Albert Heijn

Tulipa 'Albert Heijn' is an elegant and romantic variety. The single flowers are bright candy pink with a touch of lilac, charming in flower beds and borders. Its large flowers appear to be composed of silky little scarves, assembled in tapered cups. With short and sturdy stems, it is resistant to bad weather and undemanding and it will faithfully flower in the garden from mid-March for several years. It is also a superb cut flower for bouquets.

Tulipa fosteriana is a very hardy botanical species originally from Turkestan. Tulips derived from T. fosteriana belong to division 13, they are reliable and among the first to bloom, sometimes as early as mid-March, and there is no need to replace them regularly. This bulb produces strong but flexible stems 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16in) high when flowering, bearing a large cup-shaped corolla, which opens wide in the sun to reveal its delightful pink hues. A lavender reflection softens the bright pink, sometimes touched with a small green tongue at the base of the petals, on the outside of the cup.

Fosteriana tulips are suitable for all uses, in flower beds, borders, and the tallest varieties can even be cut for bouquets. Their sparkling yet elegant colours pair well with blue hyacinths, grape hyacinths or other white tulips. Remember to consider the height and flowering period when designing your flower beds, as these can vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is a good idea to plant a few more bulbs for cutting beautiful cut flowers that last a long time in a vase. In pots and containers, they bring some spring colours to balconies and terraces.