Name: From the Turkish for turban, after its rounded form. Botanical name Tulipa.

Origin: Middle East

Color: Everything except blue and true black.

Availability: March and April

Care Tips: Tulips continue to grow in water and will curve towards the light. Make allowances for this when putting them in a vase or wrap the stems tightly in newspaper and stand them in water directly beneath a light for a few hours. Tulips have a vase life of just over a week, and buy flowers in bud.

Facts: Tulips are the third-biggest selling flower in Holland and are also very popular in the UK where many are also grown.

Language of Flowers: In the Victorian language of flowers red tulips are a declaration of love, making them ideal gifts for Valentine's Day.