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Ballerina Tulip

pitter-patterpitter-patter Posts: 2,429
in Plants
I was happy to see that the ballerina tulips I’ve planted two years ago have returned. However (and I know how implausible this sounds) they look different this year. Does anyone know what might have caused the change? 


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  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
     @pitter-patter TBV or Tulip breaking virus was my first thought. Something I have seen before but not sure if it is rare?
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • pitter-patterpitter-patter Posts: 2,429
    Thank you, @GardenerSuze. I shall research tomorrow. They still have the lovely scent and I don’t mind the new look either. I was just curious…
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @pitter-patter I love T Ballerina I grow it most years. I do start again each year though. With a name like Ballerina I always think it should be a pink tulip. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    edited April 2023
    They don’t look like Ballerina at all. I think @GardenerSuze is right and they have Tulip mosaic virus. Highly desirable amongst some growers, although illegal to sell.
    Mine just started flowering today.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
    My Ballerina returns have the same odd streaking this year.
  • pitter-patterpitter-patter Posts: 2,429
    I’m glad is not just me. I kept going back to last year’s photos to check the location and the look of the flowers. Thank you for all the help.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If you like the look, some of the species tulips are similar - T. Flyaway for example.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • pitter-patterpitter-patter Posts: 2,429
    Thank you @Fairygirl. I do have some Fly Away tulips and they’re very nice. Unfortunately they haven’t made a good return this year, but last year they were glorious.


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    One of my returning Ballerinas has a distinct yellow base below the usual orange which has been puzzling me @pitter-patter.  It doesn't look as exotic as yours!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - mine were a failure too @pitter-patter, mainly because they were in pots and it was a bridge too far for them to cope with the wet and freezing cycles, probably the one in March was worse for them, because of the timing, even though it was a bit less severe and shorter. I have some other pale species ones too which were the same. The ones in the raised beds were ok, but I like having some in pots too.
    They've been re located, and fed, so hopefully they'll be ok next year.  :)
    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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