New Tulip Variety Is Named After KLM

Not only KLM is celebrating its anniversary this year – the Netherlands’ most photographed and the world's largest flower garden, the Keukenhof is celebrating its birthday too! A great time to name a new variety of tulip after KLM.

A new variety of tulip does not come about just like that. It entails years of careful breeding. The Keukenhof, which is celebrating its 60th birthday, knows all there is to know about flower cultivation.

Tulipa KLM
Specially for KLM's 90th birthday, two breeds of tulip were crossed. The result is a new, unique variety. KLM’s CEO, Peter Hartman, finds the creation of the new tulip "a real honour". Together with former top model Frederique van der Wal, he christened the new tulip 'Tulipa KLM' at the Keukenhof.

Frederique’s choice
Just like KLM and the Keukenhof, Frederique van der Wal has her roots in the Netherlands. After her career in the beauty industry, television and the film world, she is now owner of 'Frederique’s Choice', a lifestyle and florist brand.

Bulbs to order
The light green and white flower has a blue centre and a fresh, youthful appearance. Would you like this flower in your garden? They can now be ordered. The bulbs will be delivered this autumn, ready for planting in January. Just a little love, water and patience and you will enjoy the Tulipa KLM in spring!

Did you know?

• Breeding a new tulip hybrid is a time-consuming and painstaking exercise. It calls for the crossing of two tulip breeds to create an all-new breed. It can take up to five years to develop a bulb capable of growing into a flower of the right size, quality and shape.
• The new 'Tulipa KLM' is a cross between the 'China Pink' and a tetraploid tulip developed at the University of Wageningen. It is already known that florists are mad about the tulip and that it belongs to the viridiflora class. This has a rather understated form, elegant yet robust, extremely feminine, young and fresh. The Tulipa KLM is extremely healthy and hardy.
• The natural flowering period starts early in May, but this can vary with the weather. The stalk can grow to 60 cm under favourable conditions.
• The best time to plant tulip bulbs is in the Fall. October is generally the best month. Plant them about 10 cm deep in well-drained soil. Make sure the shoot is pointing upwards. Tulips prefer a sunny spot in your garden and bloom better as a result.