Tulips require planning. I missed last year's bulb planting, but this fall I'm willing and ready. Here are ten favorites I'm planting this October. Which is your favorite?
Above: The 'Black Parrot' is famous for its rich purple color and frilled bloom; $11.95 for 10 bulbs at Eden Brothers. Photograph by Coanri/Rita via Flickr.
Above: The 'Persian Pearl' features a deep magenta rose petals with a yellow throat; $6.80 for ten from Brent and Becky's Bulbs. Photograph from Wild Ginger Farm.
Above: The 'Zurel' tulip features large white blooms striped with purple tones. A pack of 10 bulbs costs $6.95 at Tulips. Photograph via BHG.
Above: The 'Angelique' Tulip has soft pink petals and resembles a peony bloom; £2 for 10 bulbs at Crocus. Photograph by Mimmi Elg, via Flickr. For more, see DIY: A Modern Tulip Garden.
Above: An early spring bloomer, 'Turkestanica' has white petals with an orange center; fragrant, and a great repeat bloomer; $4.35 for 10 bulbs from Dutch Grown. Photograph by Thomas Knox via Flickr.
Above: British gardening writer Sarah Raven grows 'Menton' tulip in her cutting garden; she uses it in spring bouquets; the garden designer sells it as well; £6.50 for 15 bulbs. Photograph by Kendra Wilson.
For more, DIY: A Spring Bouquet With Sarah Raven.
Above: The 'Pink Impression' petals are pink with a light pink edge. It can be purchased from White Flower Farm; $11.95 for 12 bulbs. Photograph by Katrin Feldbauer via Flickr.
Above: 'Prinses Irene' is a fragrant tulip in orange with purple flames; $11.95 for a dozen bulbs from White Flower Farm. Photograph by Neal1960 via Flickr.
Above: The 'Tarda' has a yellow center and white tips; $5.95 for a pack of ten bulbs from Easy to Grow Bulbs. Photograph via BHG.
Above: 'Purissima' is a long lived, creamy white tulip; $3.50 for five bulbs from Brent and Becky's Bulbs. Photograph by Katrin Feldbauer via Flickr.
N.B.: Looking for tulip planting advice? See our post on How To Create a Modern Tulip Garden.
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