Tulip 'Salmon Van Eijk'
Overview
The Tulip 'Salmon Van Eijk' is a stunning mid-season flowering tulip that brings warm, sophisticated colour to spring gardens. This elegant variety produces beautiful salmon-pink blooms with subtle peachy undertones, making it a perfect choice for gardeners seeking something more refined than traditional bright tulips.
Key Features
Botanical Name: Tulipa 'Salmon Van Eijk'
Flower Type: Single Early to Mid-season Tulip
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring (April-May)
Height: 35-40cm (14-16 inches)
Spread: 10-15cm (4-6 inches)
Hardiness: Fully hardy (RHS H7)
Flower Characteristics
The blooms of 'Salmon Van Eijk' are truly distinctive, featuring soft salmon-pink petals with a gentle peachy glow. Each flower measures approximately 8-10cm across when fully open, displaying the classic tulip cup shape that gradually opens to reveal a cream-coloured base with dark anthers. The colour is particularly striking in morning and evening light, when the salmon tones appear most vibrant.
Growing Requirements
Soil Conditions
This variety thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). Heavy clay soils should be improved with grit or sand to ensure proper drainage, as tulips are susceptible to bulb rot in waterlogged conditions.
Light Requirements
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Whilst 'Salmon Van Eijk' will tolerate some shade, the best flower colour and strongest stems develop in positions receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Planting Instructions
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Planting Time: October to December
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Planting Depth: 15-20cm deep (3 times the bulb's height)
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Spacing: 10-15cm apart
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Soil Temperature: Plant when soil temperature is consistently below 15°C
Care and Maintenance
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season, ensuring soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering after flowering as the foliage dies back naturally.
Feeding
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring as shoots emerge. Bone meal worked into the planting hole at planting time provides slow-release nutrition throughout the growing season.
Post-Flowering Care
Allow foliage to die back naturally for 6-8 weeks after flowering to enable the bulb to store energy for next year's display. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed formation and direct energy back to the bulb.
Garden Uses
'Salmon Van Eijk' is exceptionally versatile in garden design. It works beautifully in formal spring bedding schemes, naturalised in grass areas, or planted en masse for dramatic seasonal impact. The soft salmon tones complement purple and white flowers particularly well, making it ideal for sophisticated colour combinations.
This variety is also excellent for container growing and makes outstanding cut flowers, with blooms lasting 7-10 days in a vase.
Companion Planting
Pair with other spring bulbs such as white or purple crocuses, grape hyacinths (Muscari), or daffodils for extended seasonal interest. Underplant with forget-me-nots, wallflowers, or primulas for a classic spring display.
Expected Performance
In favourable conditions, 'Salmon Van Eijk' will reliably flower for 3-5 years, though performance may decline thereafter. For best results, lift and divide clumps every 3-4 years, or treat as annual bedding and replant with fresh bulbs each autumn.
Why Choose 'Salmon Van Eijk'
This variety offers gardeners something special - the reliability and ease of growing associated with tulips, combined with an unusually sophisticated colour that works in both traditional and contemporary garden settings. Its robust nature and consistent performance make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Buying Bulbs from Jacksons Nurseries
Bulbs are supplied either in pre-packaged retail packs or in some cases they are loosly picked and sent bagged.