Lady Tulip Tulipa clusiana (15)
ABOUT
The Tulipa clusiana, commonly known as the Lady Tulip, is a distinctive plant with a graceful appearance. It showcases pointed petals that often feature a stunning contrast of colors. The petals can curl outward, especially when the flower is fully basked in sunlight. The Lady Tulip's flowers typically come in a combination of white and red hues. The outer part of the petals generally has a rich red or pinkish tone, while the inside is predominantly white, giving it an elegant, candy-cane-like striped effect. The leaves of the plant are narrow and grey-green, providing a subtle backdrop that highlights the vivid blooms. In the center of the flower, the reproductive parts, including stamens and stigma, are exposed, adding to the intricate detail of the blossom. The overall appearance of the Lady Tulip is one of delicate beauty, with its slender form and eye-catching, bi-colored petals that capture the essence of springtime splendor.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Lady Tulip, Candlestick Tulip, Wild Tulip, Clusius' Tulip, Peppermint Stick Tulip
Common names
Tulipa clusiana var. chrysantha, Tulipa stellata, Tulipa aitchisonii, Tulipa clusiana var. aitchisonii, Tulipa clusiana var. stellata
ToxicityTo humans
Lady Tulip generally has a low level of toxicity to humans and ingestion of this plant is not commonly associated with severe poisoning. However, if ingested in large quantities, the bulbs, which are the most toxic part, may cause mild stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. This discomfort is primarily due to compounds such as alkaloids and glycosides that can irritate the digestive system.
To pets
For pets, Lady Tulip can be toxic, especially the bulbs which contain compounds that may be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of Lady Tulip poisoning in pets might include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, drooling, and possibly depression. If a pet consumes a large quantity of any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, it is advisable to seek veterinary care promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Spread
2-4 inches (5-10 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Tulipa clusiana, commonly known as Lady Tulip, adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens with its distinct, striped petals.
- Ecosystem Support: Lady Tulips provide nectar and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Lady Tulip is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once planted in suitable conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Lady Tulips can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for xeriscaping.
- Seasonal Interest: With spring blooming, Lady Tulips add seasonal interest to gardens, signaling the end of winter and the beginning of a new growth cycle.
- Variety: Lady Tulips come in various colors and patterns, offering gardeners a range of options for design and landscaping.
- Adaptability: Tulipa clusiana adapts well to a range of climates and can often naturalize, spreading to cover an area with its blooms.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tulipa clusiana bulbs can be used as a source of starch for culinary purposes, similar to how potatoes are used.
- The crushed petals of Tulipa clusiana can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding various shades of pink and red.
- Dried Tulipa clusiana petals can serve as delicate bookmarks, making them a beautiful and unique gift for readers and flower lovers.
- The sturdy stems of Tulipa clusiana can be used in basket weaving, giving the baskets a unique and natural touch.
- Tulipa clusiana can be pressed and included in decorative resin crafts such as jewelry, paperweights, or coasters.
- The petals of Tulipa clusiana can be used to add color to potpourri mixes, contributing a light floral scent and vibrant colors.
- Gardeners may use Tulipa clusiana as a trap crop for pests, protecting more valuable plants in the vicinity from damage.
- The silhouette of Tulipa clusiana is often used in landscape photography as a symbol of the transient beauty of nature.
- Tulipa clusiana can act as a temperature indicator for gardeners because certain cultivars open and close their flowers at specific temperature ranges.
- When carefully dried and preserved, Tulipa clusiana blossoms make exquisite additions to herbarium collections for educational purposes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lady Tulip is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lady Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perfect Love: The Lady Tulip is often associated with perfect or true love, reflecting its classic and elegant bloom.
- Declaration of Love: Its vibrant petals represent a bold declaration of love, making it a common choice for romantic gestures.
- Rebirth: Considering its growth cycle, the Lady Tulip symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings, particularly as it blooms in spring.
- Royalty: The Lady Tulip's graceful appearance can signify royalty and a regal presence, akin to its status in Turkish and Persian cultures.
- Fame: Its standout appearance is also associated with fame or the desire for attention, reflecting its showy nature when in bloom.
WaterLady Tulip should be watered sparingly, as they are susceptible to rot in soggy soil. During their active growth in spring, water them when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically amounts to about 1 inch (or approximately half a gallon) of water per week, depending on weather conditions. Once the foliage begins to yellow after blooming, reduce watering significantly to allow the soil to dry out. During dormancy in summer, these bulbs require very little water, and overwatering can cause the bulbs to rot.
LightLady Tulip thrives best in full sun to partial shade. They should be placed in a spot where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be one that is bright and receives morning sun, which is less intense, to protect the blooms from the harsh afternoon sun.
TemperatureLady Tulip prefers cool to moderate temperatures, thriving at around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period, which could impact their blooming cycle.
PruningPruning Lady Tulip involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms and to prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production. The foliage should not be cut back until it has died down naturally; this allows the plant to gather energy for next year's blooming. Prune after blooming, usually in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLady Tulip thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix with added grit or perlite can enhance drainage.
RepottingLady Tulips, being perennial bulbs, don’t require frequent repotting. They can be left undisturbed for several years, repot or divide only when the bulbs become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingLady Tulip prefers average humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations, making it adaptable to most outdoor environments provided it is not too wet.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, after frost danger.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa clusiana, commonly known as Lady Tulip, begins its life cycle with seed germination, where environmental conditions such as temperature and moisture trigger the growth of the embryonic plant within the seed. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with a bulb, which is an underground storage organ that gathers and stores energy for future growth. Each year, leaf growth occurs in early spring, followed by flowering, where the Lady Tulip displays its characteristic red and white petals, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination and fertilization, the plant produces seeds, completing the sexual phase of its life cycle. As the flowering season ends, the foliage dies back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy during the hotter months, with the bulb surviving underground. The following spring, the bulb will use the stored energy to begin the cycle again, sending up new shoots and leaves, leading to another flowering phase.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: Lady Tulip is typically propagated by dividing and planting the bulbs. The best time to propagate tulips is in the fall, after the bulbs have been dormant and the soil temperatures have cooled down. When dividing the bulbs, carefully lift the entire clump out of the ground after the foliage has died back. Gently separate the smaller offset bulbs, which are known as bulbils, from the parent bulb. These bulbils can be replanted at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) and spaced approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart. It's important to ensure that the pointed end of the bulb is facing upwards. The new bulbs will take root in the fall, overwinter underground, and emerge as new plants come spring.
