Tulipa Judith Leyster - ORG

Some tulips are simply given a name, whilst others bear a name that tells a story. The Tulipa Judith Leyster is named after one of the few female painters of the Dutch Golden Age, and has inherited something of that name: a certain artistic complexity. The large, creamy petals have carmine-pink edges that are subtle as the flower opens, but become deeper and richer with each passing day. It’s exactly the sort of tulip you find yourself returning to every morning, to see what new developments the day has brought.

A flower that paints with time

As it opens, the Judith Leyster reveals a soft, ivory-white base with a hint of golden yellow at the base of each petal, edged by a band of carmine pink. As the bloom progresses, that edge deepens to a rich, saturated red – as if the flower itself is still being painted. It is precisely this process that makes it a tulip worth watching day after day, and one of the few tulips that looks even more surprising after a week than it did on the first day.

Sturdy enough to last the whole season

The Judith Leyster belongs to the Triumph tulips, a group known for their long, sturdy stems that can withstand April’s showers and wind. It flowers in mid to late spring and therefore lasts longer than many early varieties, which is great for anyone who wants to extend the tulip season a little. At Natural Bulbs, this Triumph tulip – just like the rest of the range – is organically grown without chemical pesticides, making it a responsible choice for any border.

Planting for a generous display

Plant the organic tulip bulbs in the autumn at a depth of around 15 cm, in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil. For the best effect, plant the Judith Leyster in a generous cluster of at least ten to fifteen bulbs; this allows the play of colours to come into its own and gives the border a lush, full appearance. It is also ideal as a cut flower for the vase, where you can observe the colour change up close.