Double Late Tulip Traditional Geocache
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(small)
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The blossoms of Double Late Tulips have so many petals that their other name is Peony Tulips. The blossoms are extremely large; when fully open they can be as much as 4 inches (10 cm) across.
Most people think (or like to think) that tulips are perennials. In reality, many groups of tulips behave more like an annual rather than a perennial. Some groups of tulips perennialize or come back each year with the same colorful blooms. However, certain groups are considered annuals; they are spectacular in bloom the first year after planting but the following year's display is rather disappointing. Because of this, these are generally treated as annuals, especially in places like public gardens where spring displays are the focal point. These tulips are usually pulled up after bloom and replaced with summer-blooming flowers. In the home garden, one has a tendency to accept them as they grow over the years, despite the color changes and lack of bold display.
If one prefers tulips that tend to perennialize and bloom consistently the same each year, plant species tulips. These include the botanical, kaufmanniana, fosteriana, and greigii groups of tulips. Those most likely to re-flower each year include the Darwin hybrids, lily-flowered, some fringed, and some single late tulips. The rest of the tulip types tend to be considered annuals and are planted yearly. In the fall, when considering varieties that will be reliable and will last in the garden, look for the word "perennialize" in the description in order to plant those that come back consistently. Otherwise, enjoy the magnificent display of the other groups of tulips and plant them each fall!
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