The Story of the "Woodland" Tulip

The "Woodland" tulip was hybridized by a Dutch company some 26 years ago. Creating a new commercial tulip takes a number of years. First it takes a 5-7 years for the first flower to be produced from seed, then it takes many years before enough bulbs are developed for sales to the market.

Several years ago, a Dutch flower bulb company bought the exclusive rights to this new tulip. During a visit to The Netherlands in February 2004, Benno Dobbe, owner of Holland America Bulb Farms in Woodland, WA, discovered this beautiful tulip. When asked by the owners to state his opinion of the tulip, Benno gave the following description:

"The tulip has a rare reddish pink color which indicates it is a mix of a red

and deep pink in hybridization. It is a nice length, well formed flower,

nice leaves, good stem . an all around good quality tulip."

Benno Dobbe was informed that the tulip has two excellent and very strong parents, "Prominence" (red) and "Don Quichotte" (deep pink). They gave Benno the honor of naming this new variety, who decided to name the tulip "Woodland" after his home town for the last 26 years, Woodland, WA.

In March 2005 the "Woodland" tulip was presented to the world flower industry at the Lentetuin

Bulb Show in Breezand, The Netherlands, where Benno was born and raised. Her Royal Highness

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands did the opening ceremony. During this most popular show the -

still unnamed - "Woodland" tulip received very high marks!

On April 16, 2005 - at the Woodland Tulip Festival - the official christening ceremony was held for the naming of the "Woodland" tulip, with those in attendance: Woodland's Mayor, Doug Monge, a number of local celebrities and representation of this new tulip from The Netherlands.

The "Woodland" tulip has become an instant success, a favorite in this area, not only for its name,

but also for its unmistakable beauty. The tulip will be available in flaming, vibrant bloom in our "Instant Gardening" Pots at the Woodland Tulip Festival. Visitors may also purchase bouquets of

cut tulips and order bulbs, of this very special variety, for fall planting this year. Numerous pots of the "Woodland" tulip are donated to the City of Woodland, which will be appropriately displayed around the downtown area during the 2007 Woodland Tulip Festival.