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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Tulip 'Ice Stick' in the Hill Garden

Tulip 'Ice Stick' in the sunny Hill Garden.
Tulip 'Ice Stick' in the sunny Hill Garden. (March 22, 2012)
Tulip 'Ice Stick' is one of the first full-size tulips to bloom in early April.  It is a species tulip that tops out at 10-12 inches tall and is classified as a Kaufmanniana Hybrid, which are known as the Water Lily tulips. They are very hardy (zones 3-8).

Most species tulips perennialize better than more highly bred cultivars, which means that they are tulips that are more likely to return to bloom again next year, maybe even for many years to come. All tulips like a good baking in the summer months, so they are not likely to return in damper areas. Most tulips are native to Turkey and its surrounding countries.

I planted Tulip 'Ice Stick' in the sunny and well-drained Hill Garden with clumps of Narcissus 'Tete-a-tete' and Crocus vernus 'Grand Maitre'. These three bulbs work so well together in early spring. In fact, I planted them my own garden after choosing them for a friend's garden and drooling over her blooms for numerous years. This year, they were in Gilmore Gardens as well!

Tulip 'Ice Stick' closed up on an overcast day, still showing its pretty purple flames one the outside.
Tulip 'Ice Stick' closed up on an overcast day, still showing its pretty purple flames one the outside. (Photo March 21, 2012)
Tulip 'Ice Stick' fully open to the sunshine. The white petals, purple flames and yellow center make room for so many spring combinations! Try it will daffodils, near purple leaved bushes, or under a white-blooming ornamental tree. Here in the Hill, it has all of those partners at its disposal.
Tulip 'Ice Stick' fully open to the sunshine. The white petals, purple flames and yellow center make room for so many spring combinations!
Tulip 'Ice Stick' with Narcissus 'Tete-a-tete' and Crocus vernus 'Grand Maitre'. Try it will daffodils, near purple leaved bushes, or under a white-blooming ornamental tree. Here in the Hill, it has all of those partners at its disposal.
Tulip 'Ice Stick' with Narcissus 'Tete-a-tete'
Tulip 'Ice Stick' with Narcissus 'Tete-a-tete'.
Tulip 'Ice Stick' with Narcissus 'Tete-a-tete', open to the sun on the Hill Garden. It bloomed quite early this year, with these photos being taken March 22nd.  Last year it bloomed at mid-April. (See it in GBBD April.)
Read more on the Hill Garden from our map of Gilmore Gardens.

15 comments:

  1. spurgeApril 13, 2012 at 10:37 AM

    Those are so lovely and delicate! Very different from the classic, more in-your-face type of tulip.

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  2. JamesApril 13, 2012 at 10:59 AM

    These are my favorite of the tulips from last year, I think. Especially before they open.

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  3. OliviaApril 13, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    These are so pretty with the light shining through them..
    I love the yellow center the pink stripes. So dainty:)

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  4. ChristinaApril 13, 2012 at 1:04 PM

    These are lovely and make a beautiful combination. I haven't had such success with species tulips but Triumph types seem to naturalise quite well. As you say the baking in the summer is critical so it’s best not you plant them near plants you know you’ll irrigate. I always think of the Water Lilly types being double with flowers just like a double water Lilly such as T. Double Dazzle and T. Peach blossom. Christina

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    Replies
    1. Wife, Mother, GardenerApril 13, 2012 at 2:55 PM

      I agree about the doubles, but their family name is seems to be named Water lily for some reason... perhaps the rounded shape of the thinner petals?

      I have had no success with Triumph tulips returning, which is a real shame as I loved T 'Apricot beauty'!!
      Thanks Christina.
      Julie

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  5. PaulineApril 13, 2012 at 1:12 PM

    What a super tulip, must give it a go this autumn. Maybe the species are the ones for me to try, the hybrids don't last long at all. I think your Tulip ice stick would like my front border with lots of sun.

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  6. OliviaApril 13, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    A question...
    Did this tulip seem to come up earlier this year as well because of the warm weather?
    Or did it seem to bloom at its correct time?

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    Replies
    1. Wife, Mother, GardenerApril 13, 2012 at 2:52 PM

      Yes, very early this year. Everything is still very much ahead of season this year in our area. T. 'Ice stick' finished up nearly two weeks ago, and it was just starting at the middle of April last year. See GBBD April 2011 to compare where it was last year at this time: wifemothergardener.blogspot.com/2011/04/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-april-2011_14.html

      Thanks for reading along and your nice comments Olivia!
      Julie

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  7. AnonymousApril 13, 2012 at 2:56 PM

    Thanks for information and pictures. Very beautiful. We are behind here in Wisconsin.
    Sheila

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  8. ChristineApril 13, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Really beautiful, I'm envious!

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  9. The Graceful GardenerApril 13, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    What a beautiful and dainty tulip! I must plant this species tulip in my garden. Love how you combined them with 'Tete-a-tete'. Stunning!

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  10. Isabel @Fennel and FernApril 14, 2012 at 4:47 AM

    These are wonderful dreamy photos of a fantastic tulip. Another lovely blog post, thank you.

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  11. The Garden FairyApril 14, 2012 at 7:30 AM

    So pretty, will have to try this tulip in my garden. Love how you paired it with Narcissus and Crocus.

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  12. Helen/patientgardenerApril 14, 2012 at 7:44 AM

    I do like the species tulips they are so delicate. Might add some to the garden this autumn

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  13. Donna@Gardens Eye ViewApril 14, 2012 at 7:58 AM

    I love this tulip and could swear I planted them but have not seen them yet...the tulips are not keeping pace with the other flowers but some are early...just a lovely addition to your garden...

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