Tulip 'Yellow Madonna'

Tulip 'Yellow Madonna' has all the flamboyance you’d expect from a parrot tulip—ruffled, sculptural petals that look as though they’ve been shaped by an artist’s hand. Each bloom opens into a rich, golden yellow cup, its outer petals streaked with green feathering that fades as the flower matures. The effect is wonderfully theatrical, as though the blooms are in constant motion, catching every flicker of light. Reaching around 45cm tall, Tulip 'Yellow Madonna' is striking enough to stand alone in a pot, yet blends beautifully among other tulips and late-spring bulbs for a lively, painterly display.

Plant Tulip 'Yellow Madonna' in autumn for a glorious show in mid to late spring—she’s happiest in well-drained soil and a sunny or lightly shaded position. The flowers last surprisingly well in the vase too, so it’s well worth growing extra for cutting. Like all tulips, Tulip 'Yellow Madonna' is best treated as an annual, replanting fresh bulbs each year to keep the display at its best. Her extravagant curves and glowing colour bring a touch of old master luxury to the spring garden—proof that a little drama, handled with taste, can be a very good thing indeed.