'Burgundy Lace' Tulip Bulbs, Fringed

Tulipa Burgundy Lace

The red of Burgundy Lace is a sumptuous colour that adds depth and muscularity to any garden situation. From afar, the overall effect is of a very elegant and generously filled wineglass. The contents of which are definitely more pinot noir than cabernet sauvignon. Close up, you see that each petal has a delicate frill, a lacerated edge that lifts this tulip from the ordinary to the sublime. With its lance shaped green leaves the whole plant requires no other visual distraction. It is one of the best of the best in our tulip collection.

A case of Burgundy Lace

The exotic tulips are enormously rewarding because they all look as if they are hardly credible, so fantastic are they with their frills and fringes. A particularly addictive token of its type, Burgundy Lace looks marvellous planted en masse to add an alcoholic flush to your herbaceous borders or to jolly up a large urn or planter in your garden. But beware draughts; this tulip's height makes it susceptible in windy conditions however sturdy its stem appears. For added wow factor, experiment with other tulips from the weird and wonderful section: 'Black Parrot' flowers at the same time, or for a paler drinking companion, try Spring Green with its ivory petals striped with fresh green. Meantime, do not pass up on the opportunity of planting a few extra bulbs somewhere where they can be put to good use in a vase.

Features of Tulipa Burgundy Lace

• Height: 60 cm
• Colour: Sumptuous red
• Flowering time: May
• Group: Fringed
• Foliage: mid-green

Wine has been made in Burgundy for twelve hundred years, and gained such renown that Shakespeare refers to it in King Lear when he talks of "vines of France and milk of Burgundy". It is fitting that this tulip should be named after some of the most expensive wines in the world even though, of course, it is extremely reasonably priced itself.