Tulipa ‘Menton’

Fall is for bulb planting and all gardeners plant with visions of spring wonder in their head. This fall I am envisioning the delights of tulips all spring with Tulipa ‘Menton’ serving as the grand finale.

Tulipa 'Menton' planted with Muscari armeniacum. photo courtesy of Brent and Becky Bulbs

Tulipa ‘Menton’ is a Division 5 (single late) tulip. The oval flowers are perched on straight stems rising 24 to 28 inches. Blooming later than many tulips, ‘Menton’ has petals with a suffusion of pink, violet, salmon, and rose. In a typical season it should bloom in late April to early May. The ‘Menton’ tulip makes a perfect cut-flower and is ideal for planting in large masse or can be used in small clumps for accents in the perennial garden. This tulip makes for a nice combination if allowed to grow up through lower plants such as purple pansies, Heuchera ‘Obsidian’, and Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’.

Plant the bulbs 8 to 10 inches deep in late October or November. In areas where squirrels are prevalent you may want to cover the planted area with chicken wire or plastic mesh to keep the squirrels from digging. In the spring, as the foliage emerges, you may also want to consider spraying a deer repellent since tulips are a delicacy of deer.

Scott Associates members can pick up their bulb dividend at the Fall Celebration on Sunday, October 19. photo credit: R. Robert

Members of the Scott Associates can pick up their plant dividend Tulipa ‘Menton’ this fall at the Fall Celebration on Sunday, October 19 and enjoy the presentation of the Scott Medal Award to local horticulture celebrity, Jane Pepper.