Tulip Tulipa 'Bastia' (7)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'Bastia' is a striking flowering plant commonly known as the Tulip 'Bastia'. This variety is particularly noted for its distinctive and exotic-looking blooms. Each flower features a unique double form, meaning the petals are densely layered, giving it a peony-like appearance. The color combination is a true spectacle, as the petals exhibit a mix of warm, sunny shades. The inner petals are often golden-yellow with a blend of orange, creating a fiery heart. This warm center gradually transitions to the outer petals, which can feature vivid reds with flaming streaks, enhancing the flower's overall richness and depth. The petals themselves are fringed, adding a playful and whimsical texture to the already bold blossom. This fringed edge is often highlighted by a lighter color, which can be a creamy white or pale yellow, providing a sharp contrast to the red and orange hues and emphasizing the flower's unique character. Tulip 'Bastia's foliage is in keeping with what one would expect from a tulip: strappy, green leaves that form a modest backdrop for the show-stopping flowers. The blooms of the Tulip 'Bastia' have a classic cup shape when they first open but become more rounded and full as the petals spread outward. This progression makes the plant even more dramatic and appealing as it matures throughout the blooming period. If given the proper environment and care, this tulip variety can provide a dazzling display that brings a sense of excitement and exotic beauty to any setting where they are planted. Tulip 'Bastia' is a true gem among tulips for its unique flowers that are sure to be a focal point in springtime gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
Bastia Double Late Tulip, Bastia Peony Tulip.
Common names
Tulipa 'Bastia'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Tulipa 'Bastia' is tulip. Tulips are generally considered to have low toxicity for humans. However, all parts of the tulip contain compounds that can cause irritation if ingested. Eating tulip bulbs is the most concerning, as they contain glycosides and alkaloids that can induce symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. Skin contact with tulip bulbs can sometimes lead to allergic reactions or dermatitis. Although it is uncommon, serious poisoning is possible, particularly if large quantities of the bulb are consumed.
To pets
The common name for Tulipa 'Bastia' is tulip. Tulips are considered toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. The most toxic part is the bulb, which contains allergenic lactones and other compounds such as glycosides. If pets ingest tulip bulbs, they may exhibit symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and increased heart rate. In more severe cases, ingestion can lead to central nervous system depression, convulsions, and, potentially, cardiac issues. Immediate veterinary care is advised if a pet has ingested any part of a tulip.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Spread
6 inches (15 centimeters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: Tulipa 'Bastia', commonly known as Double Late Tulip, has unique peony-like flowers with beautiful colors that enhance the aesthetic of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: Double Late Tulips can attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Seasonal Interest: They bloom in late spring, providing color and interest at a time when many early spring flowers have finished blooming.
- Versatility: Double Late Tulips can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, container gardens, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Cultural Significance: As iconic spring-blooming flowers, tulips have a strong cultural presence in many festivals and events, celebrating the arrival of spring.
- Easy to Grow: With basic care such as proper planting and occasional watering, tulips can thrive, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Perennial Nature: While often treated as annuals, with proper care, these bulbs can return year after year in some climate zones.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafts: Dried petals of tulips can be used in crafting, such as for creating bookmarks or adding a floral touch to homemade paper.
- Textile Dyes: The petals of the tulip can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics, yielding different shades depending on the mordant used.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dry and crush tulip petals to create biodegradable confetti for celebrations, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic confetti.
- Food Decoration: Tulip petals are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish on salads and desserts to add an elegant flair.
- Photography Subjects: Tulips, with their vibrant colors and shapes, are excellent subjects for photographers looking to add natural beauty to their portfolios.
- Theme Gardens: Tulips can be used to create a themed garden space, such as a Dutch garden containing different varieties of tulips.
- Flower Arranging Classes: Tulips can be used in educational settings for teaching the art of flower arranging.
- Perfumery: Although not a common use, the scent of tulips can be captured and used in the crafting of perfumes or scented sachets.
- Symbolic Gestures: In some cultures, tulips are a symbol of love and can be planted to show affection or commemorate a special event.
- Aromatherapy: Select species of tulips have a mildly pleasant fragrance that could potentially be used for their calming effect in aromatherapy practices.
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: Tulips, in general, are often associated with perfect love, with 'Bastia' being a particular expression of this sentiment through its deep colors and enchanting form.
- Rebirth: Associated with spring and rebirth due to their early blooming, tulips symbolize the awakening of nature and new beginnings.
- Charity: In some traditions, tulips represent charitable feelings or intentions, perhaps due to their generous bloom and wide range of colors.
- Forgiveness: Offering a tulip, including the 'Bastia' variety, to someone might be a way to extend a gesture of forgiveness.
- Royal symbolism: With its majestic presence, the 'Bastia' tulip can symbolize royalty or an elegant bearing.
- Deep passion: The intense colors of the 'Bastia' tulip may symbolize deep and undying passion, making them a fitting gift for a loved one.
WaterTulips require a moderate amount of water during their growing season. Water the 'Bastia' tulip when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During active growth in the spring, watering once a week with about half a gallon per square yard should suffice. After flowering, gradually reduce watering as the foliage begins to yellow and die back, signaling the end of the plant's growth cycle. During the dormant period in summer and fall, avoid watering unless there are prolonged dry spells.
LightTulips, including the 'Bastia' variety, perform best in full sunlight. They should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes strong growth and optimal flowering. Plant them in a location that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the morning and afternoon. Areas that are too shaded can result in weak stems and poor bloom development.
TemperatureThe 'Bastia' tulip thrives in the cooler temperatures of spring. The ideal temperature range for tulips is between 50°F and 65°F. They are cold-hardy and can survive winter temperatures to about -40°F. Plant tulip bulbs in the fall so they can establish roots before the soil freezes, taking care to assure they have good drainage to prevent bulbs from rotting.
Pruning'Bastia' tulips do not require extensive pruning, but deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, encourages the bulb to store energy for the next season rather than producing seeds. Once the flowers have faded, cut the stem close to the leaves. Leave the foliage intact until it has turned yellow and died back naturally, as this allows the bulb to gather energy from the sun.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTulip 'Bastia' thrives in well-drained, sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix incorporating organic matter like compost and perlite can enhance drainage and soil structure, suitable for tulips.
RepottingTulips, such as Tulip 'Bastia', are grown from bulbs, which do not require frequent repotting. Bulbs should be planted in the fall and can remain in the ground or pot for several years without the need to repot.
Humidity & MistingTulip 'Bastia' prefers moderate humidity levels. It does not have specific humidity requirements, but excessive moisture can lead to bulb rot, so it's important to ensure good air circulation around the plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in well-draining soil, bright indirect light, cool room.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full sun to part shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the 'Bastia' tulip (Tulipa 'Bastia') begins with a bulb planted in the fall, several weeks before the ground freezes. During winter, the bulb goes through a vernalization process, requiring a cold dormancy period to prepare for spring growth. In early to mid-spring, the bulb produces shoots that emerge above the soil, followed by leaves and a stem that supports the flower. The blossoming period occurs in late spring, where the 'Bastia' tulip displays its unique double-layered, peony-like flowers often in a striking color combination. After flowering, the plant goes into a senescence phase, where the foliage dies back and the plant redirects energy to the bulb for the next cycle. During summer, the bulb lies dormant underground, conserving energy for the next growth cycle to start again in the fall.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method for propagating tulips, including the Tulipa 'Bastia', is through the division of their bulbs. Typically, the best time to propagate tulips by bulb division is in the fall, as the plants are dormant during this time. To propagate through division, one carefully digs up the mature bulbs after the foliage has died back and gently separates the smaller, offset bulbs from the parent bulb. These offsets, often called "bulblets," can then be planted immediately at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in well-draining soil with the pointed end up. This method ensures genetic consistency and is an easy and effective way to spread or increase your tulip plants for the following spring.
