Tulipa Batalinii Bronze Charm - ORG

Botanical tulips are sometimes the best-kept secret in the bulb range. Not flashy hybrids, but small, refined varieties with a character all of their own. The Bronze Charm is a fine example of this. The tulip is small — barely 10 to 15 centimetres tall — but its colour is anything but modest: a soft apricot that gradually fades into bronze, with the warmth of a late autumn sun.

Fragrant and edible

The Bronze Charm has a scent. Not overpowering, but noticeable — a soft, sweet fragrance that you pick up on when you get close. That also makes it worthwhile as a cut flower. And then there are the petals: they’re edible, with a mild, slightly sweet flavour. A handful of loose petals as a garnish on a plate of starters adds an unexpectedly elegant touch. The flowers themselves are also edible, although they’re too beautiful to eat straight away.

Plant in a dry, warm spot

Tulipa batalinii grows naturally in the mountainous regions of Central Asia — dry, stony and hot in summer. In the garden, this means a well-drained, warm spot sheltered from the wind, preferably in full sun. A rockery, a raised bed or a large pot are ideal. Plant the bulbs in autumn at a depth of 8–10 cm. They will naturalise on their own via offsets and return each year slightly larger and more abundant. Organically grown, certified NL-BIO-01.