'Monte Carlo' Tulip Bulbs, Double Early

Tulipa Monte Carlo

The Monte Carlo tulip is as jazzy and jet-set as its name suggests. What is more it has been awarded an RHS AGM medal, which makes it an odds on favourite and all round winner in the tulip world. It has zingy yellow petals that are sulphur coloured on the outside and slightly darker on the inside with very slight flecks of red. Like all the double tulips it has a superfluity of petals all contained in a bowl shape that make it look remarkably like an out of season peony. Standing at mid tulip height it is well-proportioned and has the additional bonus of being slightly fragrant with a smell a little like freesias. This is a tulip that goes well with so many of the other spring flowering bulbs, or browse all of our tulip bulbs here.

Finding the right haven

With a colour this vibrant you cannot help but to cheer up herbaceous borders and make a focal point wherever Monte Carlo tulips are planted. On a dreary April day there could be nothing more heartening than to see a terrace full of pots of this zesty tulip. Those who are feeling brave should marry Monte Carlo up with the Blue Parrot tulip for an utterly rococo floral performance. For the more restrained, the simplicity of some single tulips like Diana or Candy Prince may work better. Either way, the blue/purple of Muscari would flatter, as would some white late Narcissi - Mount Hood is an obvious choice and of course the purple and white spheres of many of the alliums.

Monte Carlo Tuplip Features

• Height: 30 cm
• Colour: Yellow
• Flowering time: April
• Size of flower: up to 10 cm
• Scent: none
• Group: Double Early
• Foliage: mid-green

Factettes about 'Monte Carlo'

The other blonde bombshell associated with Monte Carlo is Grace Kelly who starred in Alfred Hitchcock's 'To Catch a Thief' and drove outrageously dangerously around the heights of Monaco in the film. In true fairy tale fashion, she then married Prince Rainier and ended up as Princess Grace of Monaco.