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Matching pot and tulips

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  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    It depends what effect you'd like to achieve!  In Spring, I like to use tulips to inject colour and energy into the garden, going for a riot of colour.  They're only there for 4-6 weeks so who cares if they offend the neighbours! (Mine hasn't complained yet!)



    If you prefer to tone it down, the purple and white/green bulbs in that photo are Negrita and Spring Green which would make a nice combination.  (The orange bulbs are Ballerina and Prinses/Princess Irene.)
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If you want bright and bold -  go for it with orange and bright yellow.
    If you don't - use white/cream.
    If you want it all to merge- other pinks, and some purples/lilacs.

    Personally, I'd paint the planters. It may detract far too much from the plants themselves  :)

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • coccinellacoccinella Posts: 1,428
    I get your point @Fairygirl :D:D Although the pic shows them frontally, they are actually along the path that lead to the front door. So they are not in your face as it looks in the photo :)
    Still browsing .. 🤔

    Luxembourg
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It comes down to what you like as a 'look' @coccinella. Make your choice based on what you can also get hold of, and cram 'em in  :)
    The main thing to watch out for is drainage - they'd be best lifted off the soil with pot feet or blocks of wood, or similar, so that they don't get waterlogged. I don't know how wet it is where you are, but most tulips don't appreciate prolonged, heavy rainfall, so sharp drainage is needed. Apologies if you're already aware of all that.  The potted ones I have are kept right up against the house until about February, and they get some extra shelter from the gas meter box too. The rest have to take their chances in the raised beds   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • @coccinella One thing to remember is they don't all flower at the same time. If you choose from the same group that should be fine.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    One other thought, if you are intending to leave the bulbs in situ for flowering again, it would be better to choose botanical or species tulips.  These have not been hybridised and therefore retain the ability to repeat flower.  If they are not readily available where you are, I have found that Lily flowered tulips repeat flower for three years so far in free draining sandy soil. Here’s some options to consider:
    https://www.avonbulbs.co.uk/autumn-planted-bulbs/tulip-bulbs/lily-flowered-tulips
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • coccinellacoccinella Posts: 1,428
    @Fairygirl. Never apologise, I might (!) know stuff but would I remember? So thank you for the reminder. As it happens those pots drain quite well because they have a raised internal level. 

    Luxembourg
  • coccinellacoccinella Posts: 1,428
    @GardenerSuze. See? I hadn't thought about that! Previous pot experiments with different flowering times just looked messy. So thank you :)

    Luxembourg
  • coccinellacoccinella Posts: 1,428
    I have used these suppliers before and they are both good. These are the perennials they offer. Happy hours ahead. Will post a photo in the spring. Thank you all again. :)

    https://www.peternyssen.com/autumn-planting/tulips/perennial-tulips.html

    https://www.bulbi.nl/en/spring-flowering-bulbs/tulips?groep=103

    Luxembourg
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    P. Nyssen is an excellent supplier  :) 
    I'd agree with @Plantminded - if you want a good, reliable return each year, the species tulips are the ones to go for. 
    There are a few types apart from those which do well for some people, depending on location etc, but the species ones are great. Many people dismiss them because a lot of them are smaller, and there isn't the same range of colours, so you don't really get that big blousy look that the other ones give, but they're so reliable, and will multiply if the site's right  :)
    I hope you get a good result, whatever you go for @coccinella :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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