'Orange Brilliant' Tulip Bulbs, Triumph

Orange Brilliant Emperor Tulips

Tulipa fosteriana Orange Brilliant (or Emperor) is a large flowered, early tulip of the most wonderful warm orange. And warm orange is a colour that (as a rule) looks very much better in flowers than it does in clothing. Orange Brilliant looks good planted by itself, or in a drift mixed with some of our other tulips for sale.

For good colour combinations look at purple, maybe Purple Prince or a yellow such as Monte Carlo - remember that we are talking spring here. Light levels are still low, grey days happen more often than any of us would like and bright colours sit well with the time of year. So bring a little sunshine to your garden and smile whenever you see these orange marvels.

• Colour: Orange
• Height: 40 cm
• Scent: None
• Flowering: March/April
• Bulb Size: 10/11 cm
• 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 Orange Brilliant a bit of room when planting - we recommend leaving 6-8 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. Many varieties will stay in the ground and multiply happily, but if you are in doubt, it is a good idea to 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.