{"product_id":"tulipa-mabel-bulbs","title":"Tulipa 'Mabel' (Breeder 1900) Bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTulipa\u003c\/em\u003e 'Mabel' is a rare historic tulip introduced in 1900, producing elegant, cup-shaped flowers in soft rose-pink with a distinctive white base.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNow seldom seen outside specialist historic bulb collections, 'Mabel' offers the chance to grow a genuine piece of horticultural history. Our bulbs originate from the renowned Hortus Bulborum collection in the Netherlands, where old and endangered cultivars are preserved for future generations.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e pale, soft rose-pink with a white base\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower type:\u003c\/strong\u003e single, cup-shaped\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear of introduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1900\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e fertile, well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e borders, containers and historic collections\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e rare heritage cultivar\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003eAbout \u003cem\u003eTulipa\u003c\/em\u003e 'Mabel'\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTulipa\u003c\/em\u003e 'Mabel' has a wonderfully understated appearance. Its flowers are a gentle rose-pink, with subtle differences in colour developing between individual blooms. Some flowers can appear relatively pale while others develop a richer pink, giving a group planting a naturally varied appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTowards the bottom of the flower, the colouring gives way to a good clean white base. This paler area provides a subtle contrast to the rose-pink petals and becomes particularly noticeable as the flowers open.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe simple cup-shaped blooms are carried above fresh green foliage. Unlike some modern tulips bred for extreme flower forms or intense colours, 'Mabel' has a more restrained character that works particularly well in traditional and cottage-style planting.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eA Historic Tulip Introduced in 1900\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e'Mabel' was introduced in 1900, making it a surviving example of the tulips grown at the beginning of the twentieth century. Many cultivars from this period have since disappeared from commercial production as new varieties replaced them.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eToday, tulips such as 'Mabel' are largely maintained in specialist historic collections. This makes them particularly interesting for gardeners who want to grow something beyond the varieties normally found in modern bulb ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur 'Mabel' bulbs come from Hortus Bulborum in the Netherlands, a specialist collection dedicated to preserving historic cultivars of tulips, narcissi and other spring-flowering bulbs. Their work helps ensure that varieties which might otherwise disappear from cultivation continue to survive.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eBenefits for UK Wildlife\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs a single-flowered tulip, \u003cem\u003eTulipa\u003c\/em\u003e 'Mabel' has a relatively simple, accessible flower structure. Its open blooms may be visited by pollinating insects during suitable spring weather.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eSingle flowers are more accessible than densely double cultivars\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eCan be incorporated into mixed spring planting\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eCombines well with other pollinator-friendly bulbs and perennials\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor greater wildlife value, combine 'Mabel' with crocuses, muscari, alliums and other spring flowers that provide accessible sources of pollen and nectar.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eWhere to Grow Tulipa 'Mabel'\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eTraditional flower borders\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eCottage gardens\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eHeritage and period-style gardens\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eHistoric bulb collections\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePatio pots and containers\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eCut flower gardens\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe soft rose-pink flowers are easy to combine with other spring colours. White, cream and pale yellow create a gentle traditional scheme, while deep burgundy and purple provide a stronger contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor collectors, growing 'Mabel' in a container is also a good way to keep the variety separate from other tulips while allowing its flowers to be appreciated at close range.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003ePlanting Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003ePlant the bulbs in autumn, ideally during October and November.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eChoose a position in full sun with good drainage.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePlant approximately 10–15cm deep.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSpace bulbs around 10cm apart.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePlant in groups for the most effective display.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAvoid ground that remains wet or waterlogged during winter.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter flowering, remove the faded flower heads but leave the foliage in place. Allow the leaves to yellow and die back naturally so that the bulbs can replenish their energy reserves.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eA Tulip for Collectors\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe main attraction of 'Mabel' goes beyond its flowers. This is a cultivar with more than a century of history behind it, surviving from a period when the selection of tulips available to gardeners was very different from today.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistoric cultivars provide an opportunity to preserve some of that horticultural diversity in our own gardens. Planted alongside other heritage tulips, 'Mabel' can form part of a fascinating collection showing the colours and flower forms enjoyed by previous generations of gardeners.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eExcellent for Cut Flowers\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe soft rose and white colouring also makes 'Mabel' a beautiful cut flower. Its simple form works particularly well in relaxed spring arrangements alongside narcissi and other pastel-coloured tulips.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor the longest vase life, cut the stems once the buds have developed their pink colouring but before the flowers are fully open.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow \u003cem\u003eTulipa\u003c\/em\u003e 'Mabel'\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eRare historic tulip introduced in 1900\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eBeautiful pale rose-pink flowers\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDistinctive clean white base\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eElegant single, cup-shaped blooms\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eNow rarely grown outside historic collections\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eStock originating from Hortus Bulborum, Holland\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIdeal for heritage and cottage-style gardens\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAn interesting addition to a specialist bulb collection\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTulipa\u003c\/em\u003e 'Mabel' is a particularly rewarding choice for anyone interested in the history of garden plants. Its soft rose-pink flowers and contrasting white base have a timeless simplicity, while its introduction in 1900 and survival through specialist collections make it a fascinating piece of living horticultural history.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Bulb","offer_id":62373080334723,"sku":"JA-T5812","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/Mabel-br-1900-2010.1-e1517576416970.jpg?v=1787668124","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/tulipa-mabel-bulbs","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}