Overrated for ease, underrated for beauty — Tulip

People describe Tulip as easy and I'd push back on that slightly. lifting and drying tender bulbs before autumn frosts needs consistent attention and squirrel and mouse predation on newly planted bulbs can undermine progress quickly if ignored.

Where Tulip is genuinely underrated is the beauty. some of the earliest colour in the garden after winter is extraordinary when you see it in person. I display it in a mixed border with later-emerging perennials to hide dying foliage and it gets comments from everyone who sees it. summer bulbs like gladiolus and allium extending the season is the time to really understand what this plant offers. Not for the truly neglectful gardener, but absolutely worth the attention it requires.