Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Bending tulips

ladyjane23ladyjane23 Posts: 45
in Problem solving
My tulips have big heads on them but the stems seem to bend under the weight. I tried to tie them to sticks but they still fall over. What am I doing wrong.
Hope someone can help please.

Posts

  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    Some fancy bulbs seem to be prone to drooping at the slightest hint of wind or rain as the stems are just not up to the job of supporting the overblown arangement of petals. Maybe stick to something a bit smaller and plainer in future. I had this problem with some daffodils a few years back and have stuck to tried and tested types ever since.
  • ladyjane23ladyjane23 Posts: 45
    Thank you. It’s a shame but very true the heads are too big for the stems.
  • dappledshadedappledshade Posts: 1,017
    It has also been a spectacularly crap spring for tulips, here in London. Not enough water in early spring, but very cold.
    Many of mine, which are usually great in pots or in the ground, are stunted and didn’t develop normally, so I wonder if that has affected yours?
  • ladyjane23ladyjane23 Posts: 45
    Yes dappledshade it could be the weather has weakened the stems and not having the strength when the heads finally appear.
    thank you for your comment ..
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    I have a double variety and it has never been able to hold itself up, luckily it is among other plants that help it.
    This year I have a variety new to me a mix of Darwin tulips, they too get so big that they can't stand up to the wind well, I will know in future not to get these.
  • ladyjane23ladyjane23 Posts: 45
    very true Purplearillim. Why add new tulips and not advise amateurs like me they are only suitable for experienced gardeners. But saying that they are beautiful.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The taller ones with heftier heads need support - either from other plants or just a physical one. Same as any other plant really. 
    Tulips come from cold areas. The cold weather doesn't affect them, but wind and heavy rain does. The problem is that they're often grown in isolation which just makes them more vulnerable to wind and rain. Sheltered position in necessary if in pots  :)
    A lack of water at the time buds are developing can cause a problem with the flowers not opening well.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Are they in a sunny enough spot?  I’m just thinking that the stems may grow just a bit too tall if they’re stretching for the light? 

    I think I’d pick them and make a flower arrangement for indoors ... I love the way tulips bend so elegantly in a vase. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    Well I did get mine from a wholesaler who supplies councils,  so I thought they would be more robust. The other variety Blueberry Ripple has done well. In November I plan to plant more Queen of the Night. Its a good one, lasts well, and has not needed replacing for four years. I do tend to like deep vibrant colour.
  • ladyjane23ladyjane23 Posts: 45
    thank you all I  have enough information now to look forward to next year. Not being afraid to ask is the best way to learn .👍
Sign In or Register to comment.