Tulipa Arabian Mystery Tulip Bulbs

Plant Tulipa Arabian Mystery bulbs in fall before the first frost, and mid to late the next spring, they begin blossoming in bicolor blooms with velvety rich purple petals beautifully embellished with a gauzy alabaster edge. Borne singly atop tall, sturdy stems rising to about 16 to 18 inches, these fascinating goblet-shaped flowers sit above a fan of lance-shaped grey-green leaves. Excellent cut flowers, they make especially lovely additions to mixed floral arrangements, but they're simply stunning tossed casually into an extra-large vase, for a touch of old-Hollywood style.

A Tulipa gesneriana cultivar, Arabian Mystery is a bulbous perennial, often grown as an annual. However, in ideal growing conditions, Arabian Mystery tulips may naturalize and return for several years. These exceptional tulips are perfect for patio pots, and triumph tulips are some of the best for forcing indoors for winter displays. Tulips are great bed and border plants, especially when grouped or mass planted. They work beautifully in any style garden, but they're a must-have for cottage, informal, and rock gardens. With careful planning and by planting several varieties of tulips with differing bloom times, you can have a consistent succession of color until summer flowers begin blooming.

Cold hardy to Zone 3, Arabian Mystery tulips are easy to grow, low maintenance plants that typically grow best in sunny garden spots; however, some light shade may help keep them cool and extend their bloom time, especially in warmer climates. Tulips prefer average to nutrient-rich, free-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. When planting, allow adequate space between bulbs and plant them at the proper depth—4 to 8 inches apart and 4 to 8 inches deep. Start feeding bulbs with a well-balanced fertilizer, such as Espoma Organic® Bulb-tone® Bulb and Flower Food, as soon as growth begins in spring to encourage robust flowering in both the current season and the following spring season. Remove spent flowers immediately but allow the leaves to turn yellow and wither before removing. In USDA Zones 8-10, lift and refrigerate the bulbs for at least eight weeks.

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