Tulip Cape Cod

A cheerful early performer for the front of the border, Tulip 'Cape Cod' is a compact Greigii variety that punches well above its height. Cup-shaped blooms open in warm apricot-orange with a red flush, edged in sunny yellow — a real burst of colour just as spring gets underway.

The attractive, greyish-green foliage is streaked and mottled with maroon, giving the plant year-round interest even before the flowers appear. Low-growing at around 25–30cm, Cape Cod is wonderfully weather-resistant and reliably perennial, returning year after year with minimal fuss. It's perfectly suited to the front of beds, rockeries, containers and pots, and pairs beautifully with blue muscari or white snowdrops for a classic early-spring combination.

Plant bulbs in autumn, around 10–15cm deep in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. As with all tulips, bulbs and sap can be harmful if eaten and may irritate skin, so gloves are recommended when handling.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.