This postcard shows the Esperanto tulip Tulipa viridiflora Esperanto. The flower is red, but with a green stripe on the petals. Esperantist Mr J. Prangere from the Netherlands discovered it in 1968 as a mutation of an existing tulip called Hollywood. In 1977 it was planted in the trial gardens of the Royal General Association for flower bulb cultivation, and in 1979 received a certificate of merit.
Why not grow your own? Although EAB does not sell the tulip bulbs, you can buy Tulipa viridiflora Esperanto from J. Parker Dutch Bulbs Ltd, Freepost MR9850, Manchester, M16 1GD, tel 0161 848 1110. The variety produces tall plants with red, green and white flowers and dark green leaves fringed with white. It is available for Autumn planting, and blooms in May-June.