A declaration in colour
Red is the classic tulip colour in the language of flowers, traditionally read as a declaration of love. That is why red tulips appear in Valentine's bouquets, though in Australia the date falls in late summer, when tulips are not in season outdoors. The natural time to enjoy them is the southern spring, from September into October, when many cities hold tulip displays.
Finding a deep red
Reds range from scarlet to near-crimson, and some flowers carry a dark blotch at the base. Look out for these groups:
- Triumph tulips, sturdy and mid-season, widely used for cutting.
- Darwin hybrids, with tall stems and large, rounded heads.
- Parrot tulips, with ruffled, feathered petals streaked with red.
Red petals can fade slightly as the flower ages and opens wide. Cut them while still in goblet shape for the richest colour.
Getting red tulips through a warm year
Tulips suit a cool climate with a real winter. In Tasmania and the cooler parts of Victoria and NSW, plant bulbs in April or May. Gardeners in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney or Brisbane often chill bulbs for several weeks first and plant them in pots so that they can move out of the summer heat. Choose full sun and well-drained soil.
Vase life and animals
Strip lower leaves and use cold water. Stems continue to stretch, so expect the arrangement to lean. Most cut tulips last about a week.
The ASPCA warns that Tulipa species are toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Tulipalin A and B concentrate in the bulb. If a pet has been digging or chewing, ring a vet.
