The Tulip has enjoyed exalted status in gardens since its introduction from Turkey in the 16th century. One hundred years later, Tulipomania raged in Holland, where bulbs were bought and sold at exorbitant prices. Over time, breeders produced larger, more colorful flower forms. Today, Georgia gardeners continue the tradition of dedicating a portion of the spring display to this exquisite flower, even though our climate cannot duplicate conditions in Tulip's native Asia Minor. Our summers are too wet and our winters too mild for Tulips to bloom well for more than a year or two, so we classify the Tulip as an annual bulb.

Labor Day marks the appearance of spring-flowering bulbs at garden centers. A good supply of spring-flowering bulbs is usually available until Thanksgiving. Wait until November and December to plant Tulips, when soil temperatures cool down. They can be safely stored in a cool, dark place or in an unused refrigerator. Bulbs purchased late in the season are perfectly viable, as long as they remain firm to the touch and show no evidence of mold. These are candidates for immediate planting. In fact, many xperienced gardeners find that planting bulbs is a pleasant way to fill the hours required for the holiday roast to reach perfection.

Tulips are amazingly versatile flowers. They range in size from diminutive species for tucking into small spaces to statuesque "industrial strength" hybrids that create visual impact from a distance. They can be planted naturalistically in clumps of a few bulbs, here and there throughout a mixed border. Or they can be displayed in great drifts or blocks of color in larger landscapes. It's best, however, to avoid arranging Tulips in single rows, like soldiers at attention.

A healthy Tulip bulb contains the embryonic flower, and proper planting is all that is needed to ensure the blossom's appearance in spring. This means avoiding winter rot by amending our native clay soil with organic material (compost, ground pine bark or rotted manure). The addition of soil conditioner allows water to percolate. Plant the bulbs at a depth equal to twice their diameter. Tulips need good sunlight to bloom well. Because we treat them as annuals, fertilization is not required. Under ideal conditions, some wild Tulip species can persist for years in the south. They require full sun, lime-enriched soil, gritty conditions and no plant competitors. Good candidates include Tulipa clusiana, T. turkestanica, T. praestans and T. tarda.

Plan to have Tulips flowering throughout the spring season by selecting early-, mid- and late-blooming varieties. Bloom times are always indicated on the boxes of bulbs. If you want flowers in late March, plant carmine red 'Heart's Delight'‚ 'Red Emperor' and 'Apricot Beauty'. The Darwin Hybrids flower next, with their long, sturdy stems and substantial blossoms. Favorites include 'Pink Impression', primrose yellow 'Jewel of Spring' and the largest red Tulip of all, 'Holland's Glory'. The last to flower are the Lily-flowered types and the Double Late varieties. Included in the former are rose-colored 'Mariette' and the pale yellow 'West Point'. Double Late types resemble luscious Peonies. 'Angelique' blends several shades of pink, and 'Tacoma' is a shimmering white.

Tulips combine nicely with shrubs that bloom at the same time. Try floating them in drifts of single colors beneath Azalea, Deutzia or Weigela. Partner them with Pansies or Violas in complementary shades. Fall-planted foliage plants provide a textural contrast, including 'Russian Red Mustard', 'Chard Bright Lights' and the many ornamental cabbages and kales. Or let Tulips punctuate a mass planting of curly-leaved green Parsley or silvery Dusty Miller.

With planning, a spring Tulip display can last a month or more, but Tulip planting season extends over several months in fall. Sadly, more than a few forgetful gardeners allow bulbs to languish, unplanted, in garages and basements. This is not a recommended practice.