Garden Inspiration: Tulip Varieties in Paris

When gardening gets too hot, it's time to stay indoors and browse flower bulb catalogs. The catalogs begin appearing in my mailbox between July 4 and 14—coincidentally, America's Independence Day through France's Bastille Day.

Tulips are very popular in the spring gardens of Paris. The Jardin des Plantes, the Jardin des Tuileries and the Jardin du Luxembourg boast proud displays of tulips, often planted with forget-me-not, dusty miller, erigeron, wallflower or primula.

Luxembourg Gardens, Paris France, April 2011:
Tulip, primula, dusty miller, erigeron and forget-me-not.

Tulips just beginning to bloom in April at the Tuileries,
located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.

The group planting at Luxembourg is so inspirational, but there were no labels for me to identify the tulip varieties. The Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) and the Jardin des Tuileries are large parks, typically used for outings, strolling and enjoying the outdoors. The Jardin du Luxembourg, located in the sixth arrondissement, is the second largest park in Paris. The Jardin des Tuileries is easy to find as it is located between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde.

At the Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden in the fifth arrondissement of Paris, the plants are usually identified. The display is more for collectors who are interested in plant identification and genus. (Click any photo to enlarge.) If the color or shape inspires you, but you can't find the bulb, perhaps you can locate a similar substitute. Unless entering special exhibits or greenhouses, the botanical garden is free to the public. It is easily reached by taking a Batobus (or similar boat taxi) on the Seine and hopping off at the clearly marked Jardin des Plantes stop.

Most tulips may be grown in zones 3-8, but rely upon the information provided with the varieties you purchase. In warm zones, the tulips may not return due to the heat and many gardeners treat them as annuals. Grow tulips out of reach of marauding critters such as deer, squirrels, voles and rabbits. For me, that means containers only!

If you are interested in more photos of Jardin des Plantes, the Luxembourg Gardens or Monet's Gardens—many include vignettes of tulips—check out my page on Monet Gardens and Paris.

Words and photos by Freda Cameron, Defining Your Home, Garden and Travel. All company or product or patented names mentioned are registered trademarks, copyrights, or patents owned by those respective companies or persons.