10 RECOMMENDED TULIPS

1 ‘Blue Diamond’ Beautifully shaped, purple-blue flowers from early April Tulipa until most other tulips are past their prime. 45cm. USDA 3a-8b†.

2 ‘Ballerina’ This elegant, slender and tall tulip has a lovely scent. Its petals will T. open wide into a lily-like star shape. 60cm. AGM*. RHS H6, USDA 3a-8b.

3 ‘Doll’s Minuet’ Its narrow, pointed petals give this tulip a feathery and playful T. quality. It can grow up to 65cm tall, with long-lasting appeal as it flowers from mid-April to end of May. 65cm. USDA 3a-9a.

4 ‘Purple Rain’ Though fairly easy to grow, and able to withstand wind and rain, T. this rich-purple tulip prefers full sun. Packs the perfect punch among whites and soft pinks. 40cm. USDA 3a-8b.

5 ‘Louvre’ A statuesque tulip that flowers in May, so fairly late, and has a silvery T. fringe. 50cm. AGM. USDA 3a-8b.

6 ‘Glasnost’ Bold, ruffled, yellow-edged, bright-red flowers. These are seriously T. big blooms. 40cm. USDA 3a-8b.

7 ‘Blue Heron’ Plant this tulip where you can look into the flower, because as it T. opens up it reveals a contrasting dark centre. 65cm. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 3a-8b.

8 ‘Ballade’ Highly recommended by Jacqueline van der Kloet. When planted in T. a sunny, fertile spot it will come back year after year. 50cm. AGM. USDA 3a-9b.

9 ‘Apricot Magic’ This early, single tulip is more peach than apricot. With its T. pointy, lance-shaped leaves and gothic-arched flower petals, it looks like the quintessential tulip. 40cm. USDA 3a-8b.

10 ‘Gavota’ Flowers in April with terracotta blooms feathered with gold. Its T. strong stem makes it the perfect cut flower. 50cm. AGM. USDA 3a-8b.