This is an easy to grow species tulip. It will come back year after year and will naturalize well in good growing conditions. Very low growing. Multi-blooms per stem.Native to sub alpine meadows in central Asia. In cultivation since about 1590.
The first time I saw Angelique in bloom was decades ago at my sister's house. There was a large, stunning clump of these in front of her home in one of her flowerbeds. The color of the flowers was very beautiful and unforgettable.
So what's not to like! Vibrant bloom, very care free and multiplies like crazy. Has probably tripled in three years. I thinned the original group of 10 bulbs and planted in groups of three here and there in the garden. The display this spring was OK but I'm expecting a better display next year. A large grouping leaves a big empty space later in the season.
According to Old House Gardens:"Although many sources offer this petite, charming wildflower, virtually all deliver cheap impostors such as hybrid 'Lady Jane' (oversized, and empty inside) or modern cream-to-yellow forms instead of the ancient rose and WHITE with its heart of deep, ravishing purple."
I've grown 'Princess Irene' several times before. I usually amend the soil with crushed oyster shells in the soil to deter the critters when planting.I love seeing the blooms growing in my garden. Gorgeous coloring!
Because they are so much shorter than ordinary tulips these are great for giving a spring show in windy areas.
Love this variety! This tall variety flower has strong, nice fragrance. Reliable.
Responds well to forcing. Daily inspection reveals color change from yellow to an apricot-orange.
I first bought them to force in pots and was successful. Moved them to the ground and had blooming every year (several years) in my Maryland garden. I give no special care, but they are in a west facing bed with an overhang which tends to keep the area on the dry side in summer; I have read that helps tulips. This year, only a few blooms, my luck may have run out.
This species is native around the Mediterranean & Black Seas and Central Asia from Portugal & Morocco to western China.
