Tulips

NaseemBanu

Really confused about tulip bulbs. I planted some for the first time this year and they gave me weeks of gorgeous colour and interest. I have several clumps in the borders planted in baskets sunk into the soil and some in pots. 

I've read conflicting advice about their shelf life; some gardeners say that they're not really worth investing time and energy as success rate of them growing again next year is minimal. Others say that you can store over winter.

Those in pots I've moved to an out of sight patch in the garden. Have dead-headed all.

I would love for these bulbs to flower again next year- any advice an support would be much appreciated.

Fairygirl

Depends on the variety, the conditions they grow in, and general climate. 

Mrs-B3-Southampton,-Hants

And feeding as they die off.

Loxley

FG piqued my interest in the botanical types, which I'm going to give a go next year as they're reliably perennial left in situ. They have more modest and unobtrusive foliage (so they must die down a bit more gracefully). 

josusa47

If you want tulips that flower year after year, you need the buy the ones that are sold as "perennial" or "species" tulips.  There are lots to choose from, in all colours.  The flowers are smaller and less showy, but I think they are much better value.  I buy from Peter Nyssen, they always have a good selection.

NaseemBanu

Many thanks for getting back to me joshua47, FG, WillDB and Mrs R-3. All new stuff for me. Will leave the ones in the ground where they are, mulch up at Autumn and see what happens. But will source species and perennial types too though.

Apologies for the delay in acknowledging; working from home would appear to be way more demanding than anticipated!