Tulips to burst into bloom at Arundel Castle

Over 60,000 tulips are set to bloom at Arundel Castle in West Sussex in mid-April when their Annual Tulip Festival will see the extensive gardens decorated with swathes of the colourful flowers for three weeks.

This year, a record number of 130 varieties of tulip will make up the display, including mandarin-scented Ballerina, the striking, deep maroon Queen of the Night and the playfully striped Marilyn.

The unique, quirky stumpery – the home of upturned ancient tree roots – will be filled with delicate botanical tulips that are far smaller than their famous counterparts. The bright red Tulip linefolia grows to just 15cm as does the exquisite Persian Pearl.

Throughout the ‘Collector Earl’s Garden’ visitors will find impressive varieties such as the Parrot Negrita, Black Parrot and Rococo, all setting a lavish scene with their rich colours and unusual shapes.

Head Gardener Martin Duncan points out that they have a number of unusual and exciting tulips at Arundel Castle this year: “Keep an eye out for the deep crimson, fringed Valery Gergiev. It’s a fantastic, slightly bizarre-looking tulip that is sure to please,” he said. “My favourite variety is Honeymoon, it is pure white with a lot of detailed fringing. Other very striking blooms are the Curly Sue and the Barbados.”

Months of careful planning will result in different varieties coming into their best throughout the festival which is set to run from approximately mid-April to early May 2019. The Spring Plant Fair will return on 28th April 2019 as well as the Allium Extravaganza which runs after the tulips from mid-May to mid-June.

Arundel Castle is one of the largest inhabited and complete castles in England, situated overlooking the River Arun in West Sussex. Founded at the end of the 11th century it is the family home of the 18th Duke of Norfolk.

Please visit Arundel Castle’s website for opening times, ticket prices and events: www.arundelcastle.org 

Picture credits: Photographs ©Arundel Castle – banner credit Brighton Pictures: Middle credit Tammy Marlar