Tulip Bulbs,
Louvre Orange (10 bulbs)

Louvre Orange carries large fringed blooms on strong 16- to 20-inch stems, so give it an open spot where the tangerine petals brushed with magenta, copper, and lavender are not screened by taller plantings. Plant in fall once the soil has cooled, about 6 weeks before the ground freezes - roughly September to October in cold zones and November in mild ones - 6 to 8 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart, in sandy, well-drained soil. Group 10 or more bulbs; each sends up a single stem per bloom, and the fringed edges only register as a texture when there are enough of them. 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.