Once the preserve of the wealthy, now everyone can afford these eye-catching blooms, says Graham Rice
How did a virus make people rich? Rich, as
we used to say, beyond the dreams of avarice?
Way back in the 17th century, in the grip of tulipomania when one tulip bulb changed hands for the same amount as a house, tulip growers sometimes became wealthy through doing absolutely nothing (sound familiar?). The tulip bulb that flowered last year with red flowers seemed like an entirely different creature the year after, when its scarlet goblets were feathered in white.
Only a very small percentage of bulbs revealed this astonishing transformation, but it was these rarities that commanded the highest prices. They had an additional quirk that only increased their value: they were weak in growth and produced few offsets, so they became even more valuable. But no one knew why this happened.
Then, in the 1920s, the Scanning Electron Microscope was invented and, when tulips were examined, it revealed, in short, that the streaks were caused by a virus infection. However, determination and creativity led to new tulip varieties with flamed flowers that are NOT caused by a virus. These are the feathered varieties seen today, the best of which are recommended here. Some are known as Rembrandt tulips, but don’t let anyone tell you that the classification of tulips is a simple matter. And – I’m delighted to report – they’re priced as other tulips are priced. These days, if you’re looking to make a fortune from flower bulbs, stick to snowdrops.
■ Plant in November
