FLOWERS FROM THE RESIDENCEANECDOTES

Downright lush: A collection of thousands of tulips, an agave with more than 5,000 blossoms and a whole host of Tulpenmädchen (tulip girls) were said to exist at the margravial court in Baden. Stories of real flowers and floral descriptions.

Silver coin with etched portrait of Margrave Karl Wilhelm von Baden. Image: Landesmedienzentrum Baden-Württemberg, credit unknown

GOSSIP AT COURT

Two grand passions were attributed to Margrave Karl Wilhelm von Baden-Durlach: tulips and women.

Karl Wilhelm and the Tulip Girls

Agave blossom. Image: Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg, Thomas Huber

A LUCKY PLANT

One of the coveted agave plants bore more than 5,000 blossoms when Margrave Karl Friedrich took power.

Blooming agaves