In The Garden Now…..Red, White & Beautiful!

‘Drumline’ Tulip and Red Persian Buttercup
Photo by Sarah Campbell-Teis

By Victoria Gilleland

Tulips and Ranunculus are a winning combination in any sunny spring garden. This particular combination caught my eye because of the gorgeous peony like red and white flowers of ‘Drumline’ Tulip against the crisp Red Asiatic Ranunculus.

Drumline is a double late blooming tulip that will reach about 20 inches tall. It makes a lasting cut flower with strong stems. Bees, butterflies and birds are attracted to the flowers. Drumline’ will grow happily in a garden bed or large container.

Asiatic Ranunculus are intensely colored spring flowers with compact tightly packed round flower heads. They are typically 1-2 feet in height. Flowers come in red, pink, purple, yellow and white. Tubers may be planted in early spring a few weeks before the last frost, which is typically the end of March in the Seattle area. 

Each tuber may produce several dozen flowers so pick as many flowers as you want to encourage re blooming. Tubers left in the garden may make it through winter to bloom the next year but no guarantee on that. Ranunculus plants are usually available in spring at local nurseries, so that’s another source of this striking plant.

If you can find a spot for these stunning spring bloomers in a pot or in a garden bed you’ll love them!

(Botanical Name: Tulipa ‘Drumline” and Ranunculus asiaticus ‘Red’ )

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in the Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.