Tulip Tulipa aucheriana (15)
ABOUT
Tulipa aucheriana, commonly known as Aucher's tulip, is a perennial bulbous plant known for its striking and colorful appearance. The bulb from which it grows is typically hidden underground, from which emerge slender stems and lance-shaped leaves that are somewhat greyish-green in color. The leaves can appear somewhat wavy or twisted, giving them a unique texture and form that adds to the visual interest of the plant. The most striking feature of Aucher's tulip is its beautiful flower, which typically blooms in the spring. The flower consists of six pointed petals that flare outward and can exhibit a range of colors, often a vibrant red or pink with a yellow base, creating a stunning contrast that is eye-catching to both pollinators and human admirers alike. Inside the petals, there are prominent anthers that carry pollen, which sit on filament stems and provide a central point of interest. The overall shape of the flower is cup or star-like, and it has an elegant and symmetrical appearance that has made tulips universally beloved. When in bloom, the flowers provide a striking display that can brighten any garden space. The artistry of Aucher's tulip's form and color is often a sign that warmer weather has arrived, heralding the onset of the spring season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Aucher's Tulip, Tulipa Aucheriana Redoubled
Common names
Tulipa montana, Tulipa wilsoniana
ToxicityTo humans
Tulipa aucheriana, commonly known as Tulip, contains allergenic lactones or similar alkaloids that may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. If ingested, parts of the tulip, particularly the bulb, can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth and throat. In severe cases, ingestion can result in dizziness, difficulty breathing, or an irregular heartbeat, although such extreme reactions are rare.
To pets
Tulipa aucheriana, commonly known as Tulip, is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. The plant contains compounds such as allergenic lactones or similar alkaloids which are concentrated in the bulb. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and hypersalivation. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to an increased heart rate and difficulty breathing. If a pet consumes a tulip bulb, immediate veterinary attention is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Iran
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Tulipa aucheriana, commonly known as red tulip, adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens and landscapes with its striking red flowers.
- Seasonal interest: Red tulips bloom in spring, creating a seasonal display that signals the end of winter and the arrival of warmer weather.
- Pollinator attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators that are essential for the health of gardens and ecosystems.
- Ease of growing: Red tulips are relatively easy to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of soil types with minimal care once established.
- Cultural and symbolic significance: Red tulips have various symbolic meanings in different cultures, such as representing perfect love or being a part of celebrations and festivals.
- Landscape design versatility: These tulips can be used in a diverse range of landscape designs, from formal gardens to naturalistic settings.
- Forced blooms: Red tulips can be forced to bloom indoors during the winter months, providing a splash of color during the colder and darker days.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tulip petals from Tulipa aucheriana can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a range of colors from yellow to green depending on the mordant used.
- The bulbs of the Tulipa aucheriana can be used as a food source in times of scarcity, following careful preparation to remove any potentially harmful substances.
- The strong, vibrant colors of the Tulipa aucheriana flowers can be used in landscape design to create visually striking patterns and focal points in gardens and parks.
- Crushed petals of the Tulipa aucheriana can make an eco-friendly paint for artistic purposes, giving a unique texture and hue to the artwork.
- During the Ottoman Empire, Tulipa aucheriana, along with other tulips, was used in the art of flower arranging to signify wealth and indulgence, symbolically represented in traditional ceremonies and gatherings.
- The flower's shape and structure can serve as an inspiration for artists and designers, particularly in fashion where tulip motifs symbolize spring and renewal.
- Due to its aesthetic appeal, Tulipa aucheriana can be used in photography to enrich composition with its natural beauty and vivid colors.
- Tulip festivals often feature varieties like Tulipa aucheriana, where they are showcased for their distinct characteristics, contributing to cultural tourism and local economies.
- Environmental education programs can use the Tulipa aucheriana as a case study to illustrate plant biology, pollination, and biodiversity to students.
- Tulipa aucheriana bulbs can be used as "living fossils" to educate people about the history of tulip mania and the cultural significance of tulips through the ages.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tulip is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perfect Love: The tulip's traditional association with perfect love derives from Turkish and Persian legends, where lovers would meet or send this flower as a declaration of their undying love.
- Declaration of Love: Gifting a Tulip (in general) signifies a declaration of one's love. The specific message can vary depending on the color of the tulip.
- Renewal: As heralds of spring, tulips, including Tulipa aucheriana, often symbolize rebirth and renewal because they are one of the first flowers to bloom as the weather warms.
- Charity: In Victorian flower language, tulips represent charity, likely due to their bold and easily noticed presence in a garden.
- Forgotten Love: While tulips generally represent love, they can also signify a love that has been forgotten or is waning, especially in the context of floriography (the language of flowers).
- Fame: The tulip's tall and upright stature may be associated with fame, as it stands out prominently when in bloom.
- Royalty: Given their historical importance in places like the Ottoman Empire and their role in 'Tulip Mania' in the Netherlands, tulips can symbolize regality and splendor.
WaterRed Tulips should be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season, this typically means watering once every week, providing about one inch of water which is close to 0.6 gallons per square yard, ensuring deep soil moistness. It’s important to avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can lead to bulb rot. After blooming, gradually reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back and the bulbs enter dormancy.
LightRed Tulips prefer full sun to thrive, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot to plant them is in a location where they can receive early morning sunlight, which is less harsh and helps to dry off the dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
TemperatureRed Tulips can tolerate a range between 35°F and 70°F, with the ideal temperatures for growth being between 50°F and 65°F. They require a period of cold dormancy, so they can survive winter temperatures well below freezing, as long as the ground is not subject to thawing and refreezing which can damage the bulbs.
PruningPruning Red Tulips involves deadheading the spent flowers immediately after blooming to prevent seed formation, which can drain energy from the bulbs. Leaves should remain until they yellow and die back naturally, usually six weeks after flowering, to allow photosynthesis to replenish the bulb for next year's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Red Tulips (Tulipa aucheriana), the best soil mix includes equal parts of garden soil, sand, and compost, ensuring good drainage. The ideal pH for this plant ranges from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingRed Tulips should be repotted every autumn after the foliage has died down, as this is when the bulbs are dormant.
Humidity & MistingRed Tulips prefer a moderate humidity level and do well in the natural outdoor environment, where they are not subjected to the high humidity of indoor spaces.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Red Tulips in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant Red Tulips in well-drained soil with full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulip (Tulipa aucheriana) begins its life cycle as a bulb planted in the fall before the first frost. The cold period is essential for vernalization, which initiates the development of the flower within the bulb. In spring, the bulb sprouts and a stem, leaves, and eventually a single flower emerge. After blooming, which may last for several weeks, the flower wilts and the plant begins to store energy in the bulb for the next growing season. Once the leaves yellow and die back, the plant enters a dormant stage through the summer until the cycle restarts with the cooler temperatures of the following fall. The bulb can reproduce asexually by producing offsets or can be propagated by seeds if the flowers were pollinated before wilting.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Tulipa aucheriana, commonly known as wild tulip, is through bulb division. Typically, this is done in the fall, when the plant is dormant. Gardeners dig up the mature bulbs, which have naturally produced smaller bulbs or offsets around the base. These offsets are carefully separated from the mother bulb, ensuring that each piece has a portion of the basal plate, which is essential for producing roots. Then, the offsets are planted at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), spaced approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil. By the following spring, these offsets will have established themselves and begun to produce their own flowers.
