Peony-like Tulips in my Cottage Garden

Peony-like Tulips. April 4, 2024.

This year, I have finally made friends with the tulip. Tulips have never been on my choice flower list for the garden, as, quite frankly, I have found them to be a bit boring. The colors of tulips I was acquainted with were bright red and yellow, which were personally uninspiring. Well, that notion has gone up in a flame with the blooming of our tulips this year. Last year, after finding out that light pink tulips do exist, I decided to hunt them down and order 4 kinds, including the above-featured Angelique and Dreamer tulips. I realized I had been missing out when they emerged in the Spring and began to put on a splendid, fluffy pink-and-blush show. These peony-like tulips were dreamy and romantic, worthy of any romantic cottage garden or a bride’s bouquet.

Many were blooming for Easter, so I cut some to put in an arrangement of smaller white vases. They looked like large pink peonies. The Angelique was most impressive with its multi-headed stems and long bloom time. Additionally, the flowers have a long vase life. I have already ordered more for next year, along with other new bulbs to plant in the fall. A recent girls’ trip to the Fioli House was a tulip-inspired moment that further endeared the tulip to my heart and garden. They had grouped large pots filled with tulips of all kinds, including lots of Angelique tulips, at different places around the house and gardens, creating a lovely effect that had me ordering lots of bulbs later. My pots are waiting to be filled in Autumn with lots of tulip bulbs.

Growing Tulips

Tulips are amazingly easy to grow, provided care is taken to keep them from becoming food for the squirrels. Critter cloth took care of the tulip bulb lunches wonderfully. I had staked a double layer of critter cloth over the bulbs to prevent any digging. Squirrels also like ranunculus, so I stake the cloth over the corms too. Cayenne pepper sold in bulk is also a wonderful deterrent. Plant them in the fall several inches deep in well-draining, fertilized soil with plenty of sun. Then sit back and wait to enjoy!

Pictured above and below in the garden is an Angelique tulip. They have anywhere from 3 to 7 flower heads on one stalk! I highly recommend these in the garden! They make a beautiful border and excellent cut flowers!

Have a beautiful day!