Tulipa fosteriana Concerto

Tulipa 'Concerto' is a new variety derived from the Kaufmann tulip, renowned for its early flowering, longevity in the garden, and ability to naturalise in favourable conditions. It flowers in spring, sometimes as early as mid-March, in infinitely bright corollas. Each star-shaped flower displays six white-cream petals warmed by a cream-yellow glow at the base. The slightly lunar charm of the flowers is accentuated by opulent grey-green foliage. Full of charm and distinction, this tulip has its rightful place in a white or grey garden. Highlight it alongside bright red botanical tulips.

Tulipa fosteriana is a hardy botanical species originally from Turkestan. Tulips derived from T. fosteriana belong to division 13. These reliable bulbs are among the first tulips to bloom, sometimes as early as March 15. They naturalise and multiply easily, so they do not need to be replaced regularly. This bulb produces short, sturdy yet flexible stems, 25 to 30cm (12in) tall when in bloom, carrying at their tips a cup-shaped corolla, 12cm (5in) wide when fully open. The flowers are creamy-white, opening wide with the sun to reveal a deep and wide light-yellow throat marked by a black eye. The tulip boasts broad, iris-like foliage, strongly tinged with grey.

Tulips from the Fosteriana Group work well in flower beds and borders. The taller varieties are ideal for bouquets. Their sparkling yet elegant colours pair well with blue hyacinths, grape hyacinths, forget-me-nots, and with other tulips. When designing your flower beds, you must consider the height and flowering period of the tulips, as these parameters can vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is wise to plant extra bulbs for cutting, as they make gorgeous cut flowers that last a long time in a vase. The pastel flowers of 'Concerto' blend beautifully with the bright red corollas of linifolia botanical tulip or wilsoniana botanical tulip, for example.