Favourite Flower for April: Tulip!

Well April has certainly taken us by surprise with a return to cold weather and endless days of rain – in fact, the weather has been so uninspiring I almost let April pass by without nominating a flower of the month!  But then I just had to think again, for who can fail to feel inspired by the beautiful simplicity of the tulip in its wide array of bright spring colours.......

A stand of fantastic red tulips brightens up the garden through April, despite being buffeted by the wind and rain!

April’s flower - Tulip

The tulip is a spring-flowering bulb with a beautifully simple shape, which is commonly seen in gardens as well as being readily available as a cut flower throughout spring.  However, despite the easily recognisable shape, tulip varieties vary widely in terms of colour, shape of petals (think of the fabulous frilly ‘parrot’ tulips) and distinctive markings.

Pinky-red tulip with delicate markings and shading

Fantastic coloured tulips on sale in Bruges market in March 2012

.....and one of the great things about tulips is that they are very economical to use in your flower designs while they are in seasons as they are available in such abundance!

I like nothing better than to place handfuls of tulips in a vase, with very little to accompany them – it just isn’t needed!  One thing to be aware of is that tulips continue to grow (at quite an incredible rate) after they are cut, so if they are placed in a vase or in floral foam with other fresh materials they will very soon outgrow their allotted space!  With their soft, flexible stems they will also head for the light as they grow, so do take this into account if you try to arrange them.  Really they are best left on their own to do their own thing and form a glorious mass of colour......

Orange tulips with strong markings form a fabulous splash of colour!

However, tulips can be used in wonderful spring designs if you are happy to take their habits into account and work with them.....

Beautiful and bright spring shower bouquet, featuring spring-flowering ranunculus and muscari as well as tulips

Contemporary minimalist bouquet which takes advantage of the tulips’ soft, flexible stems

......but don’t be put off using tulips in your designs – the fantastic range of colours is enough to inspire, just be prepared for them to have minds of their own!