Description

Tulip Merlot is a standout Lily Flowering Tulip, celebrated for its sleek, goblet-shaped blooms that taper elegantly into pointed, reflexing petals. The colour is a deep, velvety wine-red, with tones that shift subtly under changing spring light — appearing almost plum-purple in cool mornings and glowing rich burgundy in bright sun. This sophistication, combined with its tall, slender profile, makes Merlot one of the most refined and theatrical tulips available for mid- to late-spring planting schemes.

Merlot brings an added air of delicacy, with their long, graceful silhouettes standing on strong, upright stems that perform reliably in Ireland’s variable spring weather. Despite their elegant form, they are surprisingly resilient against rain and wind, holding their shape even after Atlantic squalls. This makes them an excellent choice for exposed beds, civic plantings, or Irish country gardens where weather can often compromise more delicate varieties.

Merlot is not heavily fragrant, though a faint, sweet undertone may be noticed in sheltered, sunny spots. Its biodiversity value is moderate — while Lily Flowering Tulips are not as easily accessible to pollinators as simpler single forms, they nonetheless provide a small but meaningful pollen resource to bees during their bloom period. In ecological planting schemes, Merlot is best balanced with companion bulbs like muscari, alliums, or species narcissus, which extend pollinator support while enhancing visual texture.

For design, Merlot is a versatile powerhouse. Planted in bold drifts, it creates a dramatic sweep of colour that works beautifully in urban landscaping, where its upright form punctuates beds with architectural sharpness. In private gardens, it adds sophistication to borders and containers, particularly when paired with contrasting whites such as Maureen, soft apricot shades like Menton, or even deeper tones such as Queen of Night. It also partners superbly with perennials like Camassia leichtlinii caerulea or Allium Purple Sensation, ensuring layered displays that extend into early summer.

Merlot provides that rare mix of boldness and refinement — a tulip that feels equally at home in formal avenues, public bedding schemes, or intimate garden borders.