Tulip Bulbs,
Drumline (10 bulbs)

Drumline is tall for a tulip - tightly packed double heads on 22-inch stems - so site it toward the back of a border where it will not shade the shorter varieties in front. Plant in fall, about 6 to 8 weeks before the ground freezes - September to October in cold zones, October to November in milder ones - 6 to 8 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart, in sandy, well-drained soil with full sun to light shade. The crimson-to-magenta petals carry a thick snow-white border that makes the flowers look lit from within, and they open mid to late in the season. Bulbs ship from late September through November.

• Plant tulips late in the season, ideally November, when the cooler fall temps can help to protect against fungal pathogens and hungry squirrels.
• Plant tulips 6 to 8 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. Most varieties just produce a single stem per bloom, so they are best planted in clusters of 10 or more.
• Tulips can range in height widely, from diminutive dwarf varieties to towering types reaching 20-30 inches tall. It is essential to keep in mind the height of the variety that you are planting, as this will determine where to place them in the design.

• Tulips prefer sandy soil, and full sun to light shade (with afternoon sun).
• Avoid planting them in areas with standing water or soggy soil, as they need well-drained, rich soil to thrive.
• Tulips have a wide range of bloom times. With careful attention to timing, you can enjoy an array of tulips blooming in your garden from early to late spring.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Provide well-drained soil, as the bulbs do not like prolonged wet feet over the winter, and constantly wet conditions leave them susceptible to rot and fungal disease.

• While there are some varieties that are longer-lived perennials, most gardeners will find that their tulips need to be replanted each year.