From blush to hot pink
Pink covers a lot of ground in tulips. Pale shell pinks suit a quiet bunch, while deep rose and fuchsia types make a loud statement. 'Pink Impression' is a Darwin hybrid with large, rounded flowers, and 'Angélique' is a double late tulip often compared to a peony. Double varieties tend to be heavier, so they need a deep vase to stay upright.
A gift for spring
Traditionally pink is the colour of affection and gratitude rather than passion, so it fits Mothering Sunday in March, First Communion in the early summer weeks and a general thank-you. Mix pink with white for a pastel arrangement, or with a darker burgundy tulip for contrast.
Keeping a bunch fresh
- Use clean water and a tall container.
- Remove any foliage that would sit under the surface.
- Place the vase away from fruit bowls and heaters.
- Re-cut the stem ends every couple of days.
Most pink tulips last somewhere between five and ten days. Don't be surprised when the stems arch towards a window, as tulips are phototropic and keep moving after they are cut.
Planting pink tulips
Bulbs go in the ground between October and November. Mix grit into heavy soil, which many Irish gardens have, and choose a sunny, sheltered spot, as the cup shape catches the wind. The Irish climate is mild enough that many varieties come back, though some fade after a year or two.
Safety
Tulip bulbs and plants are toxic to dogs, cats and horses according to the ASPCA, and the pink varieties share this. Wash your hands after handling bulbs, since contact can irritate skin.
