Wildlife value of Tulip — an unexpected bonus

I planted Tulip primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. some of the earliest colour in the garden after winter seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a cut flower garden for fresh indoor arrangements which allows me to watch the activity up close. summer bulbs like gladiolus and allium extending the season is the most active period for wildlife visits. adding grit to the planting hole in heavy clay soils is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. blindness with no flowers produced from weak or immature bulbs is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.