{"product_id":"tulipa-humilis-albocaerulea-bulbs","title":"Tulipa humilis 'Albocaerulea' Bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTulipa humilis\u003c\/em\u003e 'Albocaerulea' is a particularly beautiful dwarf species tulip, prized for its crisp white flowers and remarkable steel-blue centres. When the flowers open fully in the spring sunshine, the contrasting blue base becomes clearly visible, creating a distinctive star-like centre that makes this small tulip really stand out.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrowing to only around 10cm tall, 'Albocaerulea' is perfect for rockeries, alpine gardens, gravel gardens and containers where its delicate flowers can be appreciated at close range. It flowers during April and is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for something a little different from traditional garden tulips.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eTulipa humilis\u003c\/em\u003e 'Albocaerulea'\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e white with a steel-blue base\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e April\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 10cm\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e species tulip\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting time:\u003c\/strong\u003e autumn\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e rockeries, alpine gardens, gravel gardens and containers\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003eAbout \u003cem\u003eTulipa humilis\u003c\/em\u003e 'Albocaerulea'\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTulipa humilis\u003c\/em\u003e is a naturally compact species tulip originating from parts of western Asia, including areas of Turkey and Iran. Unlike the taller hybrid tulips commonly used in formal bedding displays, it retains the low-growing character of its wild ancestors.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e'Albocaerulea' is an especially distinctive form. Its pointed white petals open outwards in bright conditions to reveal a beautiful steel-blue centre. Dark stamens provide an additional contrast, giving each flower an intricate appearance despite the plant's diminutive size.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eA Tiny Tulip with Unusual Colour\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eBlue is an unusual colour amongst tulips, making the centre of 'Albocaerulea' its defining feature. The combination of clean white petals and cool blue colouring is particularly effective when the flowers are viewed from above.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLike many species tulips, the flowers respond to sunshine. They can remain relatively closed during cool or dull weather before opening more widely on warm, bright days, revealing the contrasting colour hidden inside.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eGrowing 'Albocaerulea' in the UK\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoose a sunny position with freely draining soil. Good drainage is especially important during winter, as bulbs are much less tolerant of sitting in cold, waterlogged ground than they are of low temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlant the bulbs during autumn with their pointed ends facing upwards. A rockery, raised bed or gravel garden provides naturally suitable conditions. Gardeners with heavier soil can improve drainage by incorporating horticultural grit into the planting area.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA position protected from the strongest winter winds is beneficial. Once established in suitable conditions, the bulbs can be left in the ground rather than being lifted each year.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003ePerfect for Rockeries and Alpine Gardens\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt approximately 10cm tall, \u003cem\u003eTulipa humilis\u003c\/em\u003e 'Albocaerulea' is particularly well suited to rockeries and alpine planting. Its compact habit means it won't overwhelm neighbouring low-growing plants, while the white and blue flowers provide a bright splash of colour during April.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlant several bulbs together in informal groups for the best display. Allowing small gaps between groups creates a more natural appearance and gives the bulbs room to establish.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eGrowing in Pots\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e'Albocaerulea' is also an excellent tulip for containers. Its small stature makes it particularly suitable for shallow bowls, alpine troughs and pots positioned where the flowers can be viewed closely.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse a free-draining compost and make sure the container has adequate drainage holes. Pots can be positioned in a sunny, sheltered spot during the growing season. Avoid allowing the compost to remain permanently saturated during winter.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003ePlanting with Other Spring Bulbs\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe cool colouring of 'Albocaerulea' combines particularly well with other small spring bulbs. Try planting it alongside crocuses, Muscari, dwarf narcissi or contrasting species tulips.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIts white flowers also work beautifully amongst blue and violet spring flowers, while the steel-blue centres provide an unusual detail that becomes more noticeable when planted near paths, patios or the front of borders.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eAfter Flowering\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eOnce flowering has finished, allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally. The leaves continue feeding the bulb during this period, helping it store sufficient energy for the following year's growth and flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn a well-drained position, the bulbs can generally be left undisturbed. Species tulips such as \u003cem\u003eTulipa humilis\u003c\/em\u003e are particularly attractive when allowed to establish naturally rather than being treated purely as temporary bedding plants.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow \u003cem\u003eTulipa humilis\u003c\/em\u003e 'Albocaerulea'?\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eBeautiful pure white flowers\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eUnusual steel-blue flower centres\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eCompact growth of approximately 10cm\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eFlowers during April\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eExcellent for rockeries and alpine gardens\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIdeal for pots and alpine troughs\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePerfect for planting near paths where the flowers can be viewed closely\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eA distinctive alternative to traditional hybrid tulips\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith its miniature proportions and extraordinary colouring, \u003cem\u003eTulipa humilis\u003c\/em\u003e 'Albocaerulea' is a real gem amongst species tulips. The combination of snowy white petals and steel-blue centres provides something genuinely different for the spring garden, while its compact 10cm height makes it an ideal choice for rockeries, alpine gardens and containers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"10 Bulbs","offer_id":62373077418371,"sku":"JA-T5112x10","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Bulbs","offer_id":62373077451139,"sku":"JA-T5112x100","price":169.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000 Bulbs","offer_id":62373077483907,"sku":"JA-T5112x1000","price":1499.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/Albocaerulea_6792-2-scaled-e1625654265719.jpg?v=1787836440","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/tulipa-humilis-albocaerulea-bulbs","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}