New Releases

Tulipa saxatilis 'Lilac Wonder' and Dicentra formosa

Rain-kissed buds of Lilac Wonder tulips rise up through the ferny foliage of Pacific bleeding heart. These are a species (or botanical) tulips we planted three years ago for its naturalizing qualities, but we were quite disappointed in its bloom production in year two (a measly two blooms from a dozen original bulbs). We thus entered this season with much lower expectations and were delighted to have them smashed. Since this photo was taken, the dozen or so buds have started to open to reveal their pure pink starry forms with cheery lemon yellow eyes and anthers. Perhaps 2022’s extremes of heat and drought were paradoxically the ticket to greater flower power, or the preceding year’s conditions just weren’t favorable. In any case, true to their reputation for spreading, their thick stolons continue to surface and dive across the topsoil like terrestrial serpents intent on taking over the world. And given their uplifting springtime presence, that would be just fine with us.

From Grow