Quebec Tulip Bulbs, Greigii Hybrid

Quebec Tulips

Like all the members of its group, Tulipa greigii Quebec is a short, sturdy tulip with mottled leaves. Its flowers - the plural is used advisedly as it produces 3-5 blooms per bulb - open wide to show of golden petals with splashes of red and cream edges. Or it might be red petals with gold and cream borders... either way this is a fantastic, naturalising "rockery" tulip. However, if it is not for you, why not have a look at the remainder of our range of spring flowering tulip bulbs for sale.

Officially, Quebec flowers in April and May, but in our trial last year, it actually opened half way through March. No promises but the flowering range therefore seems to be quite wide. Ours were planted 20 cms deep and still stood about 30cms tall when in flower. We discovered that they need to be spaced fairly widely as the flowers are large and with several per plant, they display better if the bulbs are at least 15 cms (6") apart. Quebec also looks much better in drifts of 15-20 plants, but do not plant in "regimental" rows...

• Colour: Cream, gold and red
• Height: 35cm
• Scent: No
• Flowering: April/May
• Planting Depth: 3 times the height of the bulb
• Planting Months: October - November

Tulips are generally best grown in borders and containers. They like richer soils with good drainage.

Give Quebec a bit of room when planting - we recommend leaving 15+ cms between bulbs. The planting depth should be at least three times deeper than the bulb is tall. The pointy end is the top...

If you want to keep your tulips for the following year, plant them DEEP (20 cms is fine) and deadhead as soon as the flowers fade. Like this Quebec will naturalise happily, but if you prefer, you can lift them when the foliage has withered. Dry them off in a dark, dry, cool place, remove any dried soil and store them (in the dark at a low room temperature) in a tray or net, having first removed any diseased or damaged bulbs. Replant the following October/November.

Applying a high potash fertiliser during the growing season improves the flowering performance the next year. Lift and divide clumps of tulips if flowering is poor.