Maple leaf tulip unveiled to honour Canada's 150

Canada 150 tulip unveiled Monday

A new tulip bred to resemble the Canadian flag will be on full display this year at the tulip festival.

The red and white flower was unveiled Monday at Commissioners Park just days ahead of the annual festival. The special tulip was created to honour Canada's 150th birthday.

“It’s an honour to unveil the official Canada 150 tulip on behalf of the Government of Canada. Tulips represent springtime, rebirth and promises, which make them a powerful symbol in the lead-up to the celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday," said David McGuinty, the MP for Ottawa South in a press release.

“The tulip represents gratitude and the long-standing friendship between Canada and the Netherlands. Blooming in the colours of Canada’s flag, Canada 150 tulips will bring both pride and joy to gardens and communities from coast to coast to coast," said His Excellency Cees Kole, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in a news release.

More than 200,000 of the Canada 150 tulips will bloom across the National Capital Region this spring. Next year 300,000 will be showcased in the NCC's flower beds, with thousands more expected to be planted in community gardens across Canada.

Tulip admirers can purchase their own Canada 150 tulip at Home Hardware starting in September.