Purple poser

This magnificent purple tulip was brought back from the Dutch bulb fields by friends and I have been anxiously anticipating its blooming. it has been well sorth the wait as I have never grown a tulip quite like this before and I am wondering now whether i can save the bulbs to bloom again next year - any tips would be gratefully received. I did try putting something black behind it to show it off better - but the rain spoilt the shot!! Somehow the rain drops didn't seem to show up so much on the wall - so that is the backdrop.

The walk was a bit damp and Bruce ended up in the Belfast sink again courtesy of his foray deep into at least one rabbit hole. I was otherwise delighted to see the rain as it has helped to settle the young plants I put in the ground yesterday.