Quick Guide: spring, hardy, full sun, height: 60cm/24in, width: 15cm/6in

Darwin tulips, classified division 6, are those most often used in formal bedding schemes. Their large, rounded flowers 10-15cm/4-6in across are available in a dazzling range of colours and are held erect on strong stems. They have been crossed with the species T. fosteriana, which has grey-green leaves and huge scarlet flowers, to produce Darwin hybrids (Division 5). Tulips in this group are vividly colourful with the largest blooms of all.

GROWING Plant the bulbs late in the autumn to avoid young growth being damaged by frost. Tulips like an alkaline environment; add ground limestone before planting on acid soils. Set the bulbs 15cm/6in deep, more on light soil. Planting distance can be varied for effect as when interplanting with wallflowers. Lift and store when the foliage turns yellow.

PROPAGATION Remove offsets when lifting, grade by size (discarding the smallest) and store at 16-18°C/61-64°F until replanting.

VARIETIES Div. 5: `Beauty of Appeldoorn' (above), yellow within, outside flushed red; `General Eisenhower', vivid scarlet; `Jewel of Spring', sharp yellow, spotted red, black base; Div. 6: `Glacier', ivory `Margaux', wine red; `Reliance', lilac shaded silver; `Scarlett O'Hara', bright red.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Virus diseases such as cucumber mosaic virus. Damaged bulbs may develop mould in store.