Description

Species Tulip Clusiana Cynthia is a compact lady tulip for Irish trade planting where naturalistic detail and reliable close-view interest are more important than large hybrid flower size. It is slim, elegant and early enough to bring colour to gravel edges, meadow-style borders, containers and specialist spring displays before heavier tulip varieties dominate the season. The flowers are rose-red on the outside, edged with pale yellow, and open to show a pale yellow interior.

Cynthia is best used in repeated natural groups rather than as a formal bedding block. It suits estate garden margins, public garden borders, meadow edges, gravel planting, raised beds, courtyard containers, hotel garden paths and compact commercial landscapes. The red-and-yellow contrast is clear without being coarse, and the slender clusiana flower shape gives the display a more botanical finish than standard dwarf tulips.

Cynthia is also useful where naturalising potential is part of the planting plan.

Use Clusiana Cynthia with blue muscari, low narcissus, early crocus, fine grasses, white species tulips, soft yellow botanical tulips and simple spring perennials. It works particularly well in informal drifts, where the flowers can open in clear weather and show the contrast between the coloured outside and pale interior.

Species tulips are best left undisturbed where possible, allowing the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.