Tulip 'Rhubarb Ripple'

Tulip 'Rhubarb Ripple' looks as though spring has raided the pudding trolley, with broad petals rippled in rhubarb red, apricot, cream and warm custard yellow, as if brushed on at breakfast. The effect is painterly rather than polite, each bloom opening into a generous, peony-like cup with softly ruffled edges and fine feathering through the colour. In borders, Tulip 'Rhubarb Ripple' brings a confident glow to the late-spring border, particularly with forget-me-nots, ivory narcissi or fresh lime-green foliage. Despite its flamboyant colouring, it has an easy charm, never shouting quite as loudly as it might, which is very considerate for a flower wearing stripes.

Plant Tulip 'Rhubarb Ripple' in groups where its marbled tones can mingle and repeat, or place it in pots for a close-up display near a doorway, because this one rewards inspection. The sturdy stems carry substantial flowers that are excellent for cutting, although leaving a few outdoors seems only fair to the bees and to passing admirers. Tulip 'Rhubarb Ripple' is especially good with coppery heucheras, blue muscari and soft pink wallflowers, creating that happy, slightly unexpected harmony which makes a border feel designed rather than merely planted. For a tulip with warmth, movement and dessert-worthy colouring, Tulip 'Rhubarb Ripple' is deliciously hard to resist.