Plant tulip bulbs from October to mid-December, once the weather has cooled. Until then, store them somewhere cool, dry and safely away from mice and squirrels.
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Tulip 'National Velvet' brings a richer, moodier note to the spring border, with flowers in a sumptuous maroon-red that feels almost velvety in certain light. The outer tepals are a deep chestnut-bordeaux, subtly softer at the edges, while those near-black midribs give each bloom extra depth and definition. Open the flowers, and Tulip 'National Velvet' reveals another layer of charm, with a warm yellow base glowing from within the darker interior. It is a variety with real presence, tall enough to rise confidently through surrounding foliage and sturdy enough to cope beautifully with changeable spring weather. At around 50cm, Tulip 'National Velvet' has that pleasingly upright habit that always looks composed, even when the garden is doing its usual exuberant best.
Flowering in mid to late spring, Tulip 'National Velvet' is especially effective when planted in generous drifts, where its dark, wine-rich colouring can be fully appreciated. It pairs beautifully with softer pinks, dusky apricots and plum shades, though it is equally handsome against fresh green foliage or among more restrained white companions. There is something quietly theatrical about Tulip 'National Velvet', as though it knows perfectly well how elegant it looks without needing to make a fuss about it. Use Tulip 'National Velvet' in borders, formal planting schemes or cutting gardens where its long stems and polished blooms make it a wonderfully sophisticated addition. For gardeners who like their spring displays with a little more depth and drama, Tulip 'National Velvet' is a very fine choice indeed.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Choose full sun or partial shade. Improve heavy soil with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost with good drainage.
Plant bulbs pointed side upwards, 15–20cm deep and around 10cm apart. You can leave a little more space between them in borders.
Water once after planting to settle the soil. Border-grown tulips rarely need further watering, but containers should be kept lightly moist and never waterlogged.
Remove faded flowers, then allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally. This helps the bulbs store energy for the following year.
- Botanical name
- Tulipa 'National Velvet'
- Tulip group
- Single early (1)
- Flower colour
- Maroon, red, brown
- Bulb size
- 12/+
- Established height
- 30-50cm
- Established spread
- 10-20cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 60 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
-
Harmful if eaten
Skin/eyes irritant - Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Perfect for pots
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Fully hardy
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
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Tulip 'National Velvet' reviews
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