A country house is to become home to a display of rare flowers, not seen in public in Britain for the past 100 years.

The English Florists Tulip can still be found in back gardens and allotments, planted by members of the Wakefield and North of England Tulip Society, which is the only organisation in the UK with the rights to grow the flower.

However, Charles Wyvill of Constable Burton Hall in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, was given approval to plant a 30ft bed with more than 400 bulbs - and they have bloomed this year.

The flowers on the estate, between Bedale and Leyburn, are a single colour. They only "flame" or "feather" once attacked by a virus, which changes the colour of the petals.

"For the first time, we can show the tulips in a prestigious garden open to the public. An exhibition bed of English tulips hasn't been seen in this country since the 19th Century," said leading breeder, John Wainwright.

The display can be seen at a Tulip Festival at the hall this weekend.