Tulipa Continental

Triumph Tulip 'Continental' is a recent variety that captivates with the very dark colour of its large flower, a purple with black reflections, reminiscent of the famous Tulip 'Queen of the Night'. This flower is larger and even more impressive, and it blooms earlier, on a shorter stem which is resistant to bad weather. It will complement the most beautiful spring blooms chosen in pastel tones and is also an excellent cut flower.

Tulipa Continental is a plant from the Liliaceae family. Of horticultural origin, introduced to the Netherlands in 2011, it is currently classified in the 'Triumph' group, whose main characteristic is narrow cup-shaped flowers. It will reach 45 cm (18in) high in bloom, and has good resistance to rain and wind. Perched on stems tinted purple in the upper part, well above the broadly lanceolate green-blue leaves, the single flowers have a satiny texture, with a narrow cup-like shape to begin with, opening a little more as they bloom. The colour of the petals will look more purple-burgundy in full sun, but almost black in backlight when the sun goes in. Flowering takes place in April, in the heart of the tulip season.

Late single tulip 'Continental' will fit in large well-drained flower beds, with foliage plants (grasses, fennel, lady's mantle) and pastel-blooming tulips, pink (New Design), white (Calgary) or mauve (Synaeda Amor) or narcissus like 'Thalia' or 'Mount Hood'. It can be planted in borders, rock gardens, flower beds, pots and containers, use it on your balconies and terraces. It is ideal for creating elegant bouquets but use very little water in their vase, just at the bottom is enough. Moreover, if your tulips open too quickly, you can add two to three ice cubes in the vase every day. By combining tulips, you can also create your own harmonies. Pair them with foliage plants like lady's mantle or Tiarella, which will cover the space left empty by their dry foliage in summer.