Frrreeak!!
Here we have t. acuminata, my very favorite of the species tulips. Sure I love the bright, striped clusianas, especially, these, shown in a group with some batalini “Bronze Charm” thrown in.
But if you’ve picked up anything from this blog, you should have gathered that I yearn for variety, for the unusual and unique—like giant elephant ear and $50 oriental lily hybrids. I don’t yet have any of the plants that are really more ugly than anything, like the “Hair” allium or some of the rudbeckia and echinacea that are all black center and little else.
The acuminata though. What I really like about it is its combination of real strength with apparent fragility. The slender petals endure far longer than many other species, including the tarda, the turkistanica, and most of the clusianas—though these "Cynthia" (above) have been out for a while. Acuminata dates back to the seventeenth century in depictions, but it is only shown in cultivation and has not been seen in the wild, as far as I know. Perhaps there was some kind of cross-breeding centuries ago.
Comments
Speaking of the odd and bizarre (plants after our hearts, the weirder the better), have you ever planted a Dracunculus vulgaris or Dragon Arum? Ours is up and multiplying this year, much to our delight. If you're interested, stop by my place and use the tags on the recent post to see what it turns into, hehe. One of those bizarro world plants that makes people stop and stare as they go by!
The Colorblend mixed tulips you sent me that I got a black eye during planting last fall? Not a single one came up! Maybe they'll make an appearance next year. LOL.
That is disappointing, particularly since you hurt yourself planting them.
Frances at Faire Garden
thanks Elizabeth for the nudge!
gail