The ‘Professor Röntgen’ tulip is a distinct variety known for its remarkable visual appeal. It offers a unique display of color and form, making it a popular choice for spring gardens. This article explores its characteristics, care, historical background, and best uses.
Unique Characteristics
The ‘Professor Röntgen’ tulip is a Parrot Tulip, known for its large, ruffled, and fringed petals. Its oversized blooms feature a blend of warm hues, including apricot, orange, yellow, and green, often with pink flushes. The wavy-edged petals create an exotic appearance. When fully open in direct sunlight, the flowers expand widely, revealing their vibrant interior.
These tulips bloom in late spring, reaching a height of 16 to 24 inches (40-60 cm) on sturdy stems. Some ‘Professor Röntgen’ tulips also have a delightful fragrance.
Planting and Growing Care
Site Selection
Cultivating the ‘Professor Röntgen’ tulip requires proper site selection. They thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Ideal soil is well-drained, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0). Sandy or loamy soil types are preferred to prevent waterlogging and bulb rot.
Planting
Plant bulbs in the fall, six to eight weeks before the first hard frost. Place bulbs 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) deep, or three times their height, with the pointed end up. Space bulbs 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) apart for a good display, or closer in clusters. Water immediately after planting to establish root growth.
Watering and Fertilizing
During the growing season, keep soil moderately moist, avoiding overwatering as foliage dies back. A balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) can be applied when planting and again in early spring. Bone meal can also be added at planting for phosphorus and calcium. However, additional fertilization may not be necessary if soil is nutrient-rich or for single-season displays. For potted tulips, a high-quality potting mix can negate spring fertilization needs.
Pests and Diseases
Tulips can attract aphids, slugs, and squirrels, and are a food source for deer and rabbits. Poorly drained soil can cause bulb rot and tulip fire.
Post-Bloom Care
After blooming, deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed production, which redirects energy to the bulb. Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally to nourish the bulb for next season.
Historical Context and Naming
The ‘Professor Röntgen’ tulip is named after Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, a German physicist born in 1845. He discovered X-rays in 1895, a finding that earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.
Naming this tulip after Röntgen reflects a horticultural tradition of commemorating notable figures. This connects the natural world’s beauty with human achievements.
Landscaping Uses and Availability
The ‘Professor Röntgen’ tulip is versatile in garden design. Its colors and large blooms suit mass plantings in beds and borders, where groups of 10 to 15 bulbs create visual impact. These tulips also perform well in containers, adding color to patios and balconies.
The ‘Professor Röntgen’ is a good choice for cut flower arrangements due to its robust stems and bloom size. Its blend of apricot, orange, yellow, and green hues pairs well with other late-season flowering bulbs or complementary purple and red tulips. Bulbs are available through online retailers and specialized nurseries, often sourced from the Netherlands. They are shipped for fall planting, ready for spring display.