Tulipa Sonnet - Lily flowering Tulip

The 'Sonnet' Tulip is a variety of tulip with extraordinary lily-shaped flowers that attracts all the attention in the garden, both for the shape of its Medicis vase flower and its quite fantastic bicolour expression. Very long-lasting as a cut flower, carried by a thin but sturdy stem, it is also a fabulous cut flower. The lily-shaped tulips bloom late, but faithfully return year after year without degenerating.

Lily-shaped tulips were created in the early 20th century, they have preserved the robustness and simplicity of their ancestor, the magnificent Tulipa acuminata. This botanical species, native to Turkey, became extinct in the wild, but survived, in its red and yellow form, among English and Dutch enthusiasts. On the frescoes and ceramics of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, all kinds of acuminated tulips can be found, already adored at the time by the sultans. The flower, depending on whether it is open or closed, undergoes a surprising metamorphosis, changing from a spider to a lily-shaped flower in the space of a day.

The 'Sonnet' lily-flowered tulip, introduced to the Netherlands in 1994, belongs, like all tulips, to the lily family. It is classified in division 6 of horticultural tulips, the main characteristics of this category are as follows: they bear single flowers and bloom in the second half of spring, the cups are narrow and curved, the pointed tepals are recurved at the opening and open in a star shape. During the day, these flowers become spider-like and widely open. This 'Sonnet' variety reaches approximately 50cm (20in) in height when in bloom. Its thick-textured flower opens in brick red with violet reflections and highly contrasting golden yellow edges. The colour of the petals gradually evolves, but in a spectacular way, into a brilliant raspberry-plum colour bordered with caramel apricot. The flowering takes place at the end of April or beginning of May. The foliage is thinner than that of other tulips. Each solitary flower is supported by a seemingly delicate but weather-resistant stem.

The 'Sonnet' lily-shaped tulip shines in large beds, planted in small groups with white varieties ('Sapporo'), green varieties ('Virichic'), or in orange tones. Since its flowering is quite late, it allows for maximum blooming time in the beds. Pair it with wood hyacinths (Scilla nutans) or with Siberian squills to create a colourful scene. Or with lady's mantle, Corsican hellebores, and Euphorbias, you will also obtain surprising scenes. It can also be planted in pots and containers to embellish balconies and terraces. It is ideal for creating bold and creative bouquets.

When using as a cut flower, use very little water, just a bottom is enough! Furthermore, if your tulips open too quickly, you can add two to three ice cubes to the vase every day. Many varieties of lily-flowered tulips are grown for forcing and produce cut flowers for a large part of the year.