Tulip 'Red Riding Hood' (8 Bulbs)

Tulip

£4.99
7972
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At a Glance

Tulip 'Red Riding Hood' 

Overview

The Tulip 'Red Riding Hood' is a charming and distinctive early-flowering tulip that brings a delightful splash of colour to spring gardens. This compact variety is particularly beloved for its striking red blooms and attractive mottled foliage, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

 

Key Features

This delightful tulip stands out with its vibrant scarlet-red petals that create a stunning contrast against its unique purple-mottled leaves. The flowers are relatively small but perfectly formed, typically measuring 5-7cm across when fully open. At a mature height of just 15-20cm, 'Red Riding Hood' is ideal for front-of-border plantings and container displays.

 

Growing Characteristics

  • Flowering Period: March to April (early spring)
  • Height: 15-20cm
  • Spread: 8-10cm
  • Classification: Greigii Group tulip

The Greigii classification indicates this tulip's exceptional cold hardiness and tendency to naturalise well in suitable conditions. Unlike many hybrid tulips, 'Red Riding Hood' often returns reliably year after year with proper care.

 

Planting Guidelines

  • When to Plant: October to December
  • Planting Depth: 10-15cm deep
  • Spacing: 8-10cm apart
  • Soil Requirements: Well-draining soil, ideally neutral to slightly alkaline pH

Plant bulbs pointed end up in autumn for spring flowering. Choose a sunny to partially shaded location with good drainage, as tulip bulbs are susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions.

 

Garden Uses

This versatile tulip works beautifully in:

  • Rock gardens and alpine displays
  • Front borders and edging
  • Container plantings and window boxes
  • Naturalised woodland areas
  • Cut flower arrangements (though stems are short)

 

Care and Maintenance

'Red Riding Hood' is remarkably low-maintenance once established. Water during dry spells in spring but allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering to feed the bulb for next year's display. A light application of balanced fertiliser in early spring will encourage vigorous growth.

 

Companion Planting

Pairs wonderfully with other early spring bulbs such as crocuses, grape hyacinths, and early daffodils. The distinctive mottled foliage also complements primulas, forget-me-nots, and other spring bedding plants.

 

Special Appeal

What sets 'Red Riding Hood' apart is its ornamental foliage, which remains attractive even after the flowers fade. The purple-bronze mottling on the grey-green leaves adds structure and interest to spring displays, making this variety particularly valuable for extending seasonal colour.

Perfect for gardeners seeking reliable, early spring colour with minimal fuss, Tulip 'Red Riding Hood' delivers consistent performance and enduring charm year after year.

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.

 
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