Tulipa Alfred Cortot

Description

Tulipa Alfred Cortot is a beautiful tulip variety that belongs to the family Liliaceae. This tulip is a hybrid between two other tulip varieties, namely Tulipa fosteriana and Tulipa greigii. It is a popular choice among gardeners and is known for its large, showy blooms that come in shades of deep red, pink, and white. Tulipa Alfred Cortot blooms in late spring and early summer and reaches a height of 14-16 inches.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Tulipa Alfred Cortot has large, goblet-shaped flowers that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. The flowers are held on sturdy, upright stems that are 14-16 inches tall. The petals are broad and have a slightly ruffled edge, giving them a soft, romantic look. The color of the petals is a deep shade of red, pink, or white, and the center of the flower is usually a contrasting color. The leaves of Tulipa Alfred Cortot are long and slender, and they are a pale green color. The leaves grow directly from the base of the stem and form a clump around the base of the plant.

Care Guide

Tulipa Alfred Cortot is a relatively easy plant to care for, and it is suitable for growing in containers or in the ground. Here are some tips for taking care of this beautiful tulip:

• Water: Tulipa Alfred Cortot prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be waterlogged. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but do not overwater.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the fall, after the flowers have died back. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in phosphorus.
• Soil: Tulipa Alfred Cortot prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you are planting in a container, use a high-quality potting mix that is designed for bulbs.
• Sunlight: Tulipa Alfred Cortot prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant the bulbs in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Hardiness Zones: Tulipa Alfred Cortot is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Tulipa Alfred Cortot is generally not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, here are some of the most common issues that may affect this plant:

• Botrytis: This fungal disease can cause the leaves and flowers to turn brown and die. Remove affected foliage and flowers and treat the plant with a fungicide.
• Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause it to wilt. Treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Slugs and snails: These pests can chew holes in the leaves and flowers. Use a slug bait or set up beer traps to control them.

Habitat

Tulipa Alfred Cortot is native to the mountainous regions of central Asia, including Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan. It prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location. In the wild, it grows in meadows and on rocky slopes.

Question and Answer

• Q: When should I plant Tulipa Alfred Cortot bulbs?
• A: Plant the bulbs in the fall, at least 6 weeks before the ground freezes.
• Q: How deep should I plant the bulbs?
• A: Plant the bulbs 6-8 inches deep.
• Q: Can I plant Tulipa Alfred Cortot bulbs in containers?
• A: Yes, you can plant the bulbs in containers. Use a high-quality potting mix that is designed for bulbs.
• Q: How long do the blooms last?
• A: The blooms last for about 2-3 weeks.

Related Plants

• Tulipa fosteriana
• Tulipa greigii
• Tulipa humilis
• Tulipa kaufmanniana
• Tulipa sylvestris

References

• Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Tulipa ‘Alfred Cortot’. Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c131.
• RHS. (n.d.). Tulipa ‘Alfred Cortot’. Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/54884/Tulipa-Alfred-Cortot/Details.
• Van Bourgondien. (n.d.). Tulip Alfred Cortot. Van Bourgondien. https://www.dutchbulbs.com/product/tulip-alfred-cortot.