REMBRANDT TULIPS ??? : AN ATTRIBUTION BY A DUTCH MASTER

[Lvandelft]

Because the time is near, that some of the Forumists  will order some bulbs, I thought it important to inform you about an article I read about a test of so-called Rembrandt Tulips some weeks ago.
Mostly a buyer will get interested in buying bulbs after seeing some nice advertisement. I will describe what can happen if you do so.

The Dutch Trade Journal "BLOEMBOLLEN VISIE" ordered 100 bulbs which were offered
by an American firm under the name : (mixed) Rembrandt Tulips.
These bulbs were planted at the Trial Garden of the KAVB and judged by the
Tulip Committee. The results were very saddening!

Two collections of each 50 bulbs were ordered and received on 15 November 2007.
Offered were bulbs measuring 8-10 cm. (Good flowering bulbs of single late tulips should measure 10-12 cm! comm. LvD)

Here is the full text of the advertisement of Michigan Bulbs:

Rembrandt Tulip Mix (8-10 cm bulbs)
These eye-catching beauties inspire many 17nth century Dutch painters and will add artistic flare to your spring garden. Modern Rembrandt Tulips are improved, healthy and hardy hybrids that are prized for their unique coloration. Each brightly colored bloom is highlighted with beautiful flames - no two are alike. Each year, in mid to late-spring, they'll burst into bloom on sturdy 20-26" stems. Don't miss your chance to paint your garden this spring. 8-10 cm.
•  Long lasting!
•  Returns every year!
•  Create artistic bouquets!
Zone 3 to 8

In one parcel was 50 % 9 cm. and 50% 10 cm.
For professionals this would mean that these are bulbs too small to sell.
(These measures are normally planted again to receive mature bulbs next year.)
In April 2008 the bulbs came up and it was good to see that they were mixed ( as was told in the advertisement).
In the second half of April the plants were judged by the Tulip Committee and the following results were noted:
Planted:     100 bulbs
Flowering:   21 bulbs  ! !

The following Cultivars were noted being in the Mix:
Apeldoorn with virus 1x
Menton 6x
Renown 5x
Carnaval de Rio 3x
Prinses Irene 1x
Shirley 1x
Avignon 1x
Of some plants it was not clear which cultivar it was.
Of all these cultivars only Carnaval de Rio and Prinses Irene belong to Flamed Tulips.
Many firms selling bulbs all over the world are trying to deliver a product which
satisfy consumers as good as possible.

It is very clear that the results of these plantings was anything else as a
Masterpiece!

Asking around in the Dutch Bulb Industry made clear that these bulbs were not grown in Holland!


It is hard for those respectable and professional Dutch Bulb Growers who find their quality called into question by the failures of others.

[Maggi Young]

This is timely advice from you, Luit, to be aware that not everyone is a gentleman as well as a business man, when there are some who do not play fair.
When there are truly professional traders who work hard to do the very best for their customers it must be very hard for them to find their standards broken by others, especially when a traditional trade of a country/people, such as the Dutch, is harmed by the actions of others.

Ian is reading an art book at the moment about "The Art of the Forger".......with this and your nickname as our own "Dutch Master", this topic is very apt, thank you!

[Lesley Cox]

In the late summer I bought 50 bulbs of Iris x Sindpers, from an NZ firm) with the intention of potting them and selling in flower. I've done it a few times before from the previous owner of the nursery. Of the 50, only 2 had unbroken storage roots, only 2 others any roots at all. 48 were side bulbs, and not a single one has flowered.