Tulipa 'Ballerina'
Tulipa 'Ballerina'
A lily-flowered tulip with elegant pointed orange petals that flare outwards like a ballet dancer's skirt. Lightly fragrant with a sweet scent unusual in tulips. One of the most graceful tulip forms. Flowers in late April to May. The warm orange colour glows in evening light. A favourite of garden designers.
Where to plant
Best aspect
Border position
When to plant and expect flowers
Plant
Flowers
How to grow tulipa 'ballerina'
Plant 15-20cm deep in November. One of the few fragrant tulips. The lily-flowered shape is exceptionally graceful. Beautiful in evening light when the orange petals glow. Excellent cut flower. Partner with purple and blue flowers.
Soil requirements
Soil type
loam, sand, chalk
Moisture
well drained
pH
neutral, alkaline
Aftercare
Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Remove spent flower heads to prevent self-seeding.
Propagation
- Offsets in autumn
- Seed
Wildlife value
Toxicity
All parts toxic, especially bulbs. Contains tulipalin A and B causing skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset.
Common problems
- Tulip fire (Botrytis tulipae)
- Squirrels digging up bulbs
- Slugs on young shoots
- Bulb rot in waterlogged soil
Similar bulbs to grow
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