Tulip Tulipa 'Candela' (13)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'Candela', commonly known as the Candela tulip, is a striking variety of tulip known for its distinctive flower shape and coloration. The Candela tulip blossoms with a classic cup-shaped bloom that gracefully opens to reveal a slightly flared form. The petals exhibit a vivid and fiery blend of colors, typically featuring a gradient ranging from a warm, golden yellow at the base, seamlessly transitioning into a vibrant red towards the edges. This gives the impression of a flame, which is fitting for a tulip named 'Candela', evoking the very essence of a candle's glow. The outer surface of the petals may have a slight shine to them, not unlike the luster of satin, adding to the visual impact of the blooms as they catch the light of the sun. In the center of the flower, the stamens and pistil are prominent, contrasting against the petals with their darker, often deep yellow to near-black hues. These reproductive parts lend an extra layer of texture and intricacy to the overall appearance of the flower. Tulipa 'Candela' has green, lance-shaped leaves that clasp the stem and provide a lush backdrop for the spectacular blooms. The leaves often have a slight glaucous or waxy coating, giving them a frosted appearance. The plant’s foliage grows in a basal cluster, creating a tufted effect at the base of the stems, which elegantly support the eye-catching flowers. The beauty of the Candela tulip lies not just in its stunning colors but also in its silhouette — poised and upright, with a proud display of blooms that enliven the springtime garden. It's this exquisite combination of form, color, and poise that makes Tulipa 'Candela' a cherished choice for gardeners and a vivid addition to floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Candle Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'Candela'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Tulip can be toxic when ingested. Though it is not highly poisonous, certain parts of the plant, especially the bulb, contain compounds that can cause adverse reactions if consumed. The symptoms of Tulip poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth and throat. In rare cases, it can lead to more severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing or an irregular heartbeat, particularly if a large amount is ingested. Handling the bulbs may also cause allergic skin reactions in some individuals. It is important to avoid eating any part of Tulips and to exercise caution when handling them to prevent any potential toxicity.
To pets
The Tulip is known to be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats, if ingested. The bulb is the most poisonous part of the plant, containing lactones and other alkaloid compounds that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Symptoms of Tulip poisoning in pets include vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and excessive drooling. In more severe cases, it may lead to an increased heart rate and difficulty breathing. If a pet consumes any part of a Tulip, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately to address potential toxicity and prevent further complications.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Tulips, with their bright and varied colors, add beauty and vibrancy to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: Tulips are relatively low maintenance and can thrive with minimal care, making them ideal for novice gardeners.
- Spring Blooming: They're among the first flowers to bloom in spring, providing early color after the winter months.
- Variety: A wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes allows for personalized garden designs.
- Bulb Perenniation: Tulip bulbs can be left in the ground for several years where climates are suitable, re-blooming each spring.
- Cut Flower Usage: Tulips are popular in floral arrangements and can stay fresh in a vase for an extended period.
- Seasonal Festivals: Tulips are celebrated in various festivals around the world, which can be a draw for tourism.
- Wildlife Attraction: While tulips may attract some wildlife, they are generally not favored by deer and rabbits, which makes them suitable for areas with these animals.
- Cultural Significance: Tulips have historical importance in many cultures, symbolizing love and the arrival of spring.
- Hybridization Potential: They can be hybridized to create new varieties, adding to the diversity of options available to gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tulips can be used in the art of flower pressing for crafts and decoration, where the petals of 'Candela' tulips, with their vibrant colors, create visually appealing designs when pressed and preserved.
- 'Candela' tulip petals are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish on salads and desserts, giving a unique aesthetic to culinary presentations.
- The bulbs of tulips can be ground into a paste and used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from pale yellow to green, depending on the mordant used.
- In some countries, tulip petals are used in the perfume industry for creating floral scents, although this is not a common practice due to the mild fragrance of tulips.
- Tulip bulbs were historically used as a replacement for onions in cooking during times of scarcity, although it's not a common use today.
- The strong stems of tulips can be incorporated into floral arrangements as support for other, more delicate flowers, helping to maintain the structure of the bouquet.
- As a symbol of love and affection, 'Candela' tulips can be used as a tool for communication, where the gift of a tulip represents a declaration of love.
- Tulip petals can be used in potpourri mixes for their aesthetic qualities, though they would likely be combined with more fragrant flowers and spices to enhance the overall scent.
- 'Candela' tulips can be used in photography and painting as a subject for still life compositions, drawing focus to their bright colors and graceful shapes.
- In some traditions, tulip blooms are used in weddings to create a flower carpet aisle, providing a vibrant path for the bride's entrance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tulip is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perfect Love: The Tulipa 'Candela', commonly known as the Tulip, often symbolizes perfect, deep, or abiding love due to its lush and vivid blooms that represent a lover's heart.
- Passion: The fiery hues of the 'Candela' evoke a sense of intense passion and enthusiasm, making the Tulip a symbol of strong and undying feelings.
- Rebirth: As Tulips are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, they symbolize rebirth and the possibilities of new beginnings.
- Royalty: The Tulip's stately and elegant appearance often associates it with nobility and regal poise, similar to the way the flower was prized among the nobility in the Ottoman Empire.
- Wealth and Prosperity: During the time of Tulip Mania in the Dutch Golden Age, Tulips, including varieties like 'Candela', were highly valued and seen as a status symbol of wealth and prosperity.
- Charity: Given their historic value and the way they were coveted, Tulips can represent generous giving and charitable acts.
WaterTulips require even moisture, especially during their growing season. The Tulipa 'Candela', commonly known as tulip, should be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch, about 1 inch below the surface. Generally, this means watering once a week with approximately half a gallon of water, but this can vary depending on climate and soil conditions. During the hot summer months, additional water may be necessary. After blooming, reduce watering as the leaves begin to yellow and die back, allowing the soil to dry out as the bulbs enter dormancy.
LightTulips thrive in full sunlight, with the Tulipa 'Candela' requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for these plants would be in a sunny garden bed or border where they can receive unfiltered light throughout the day. However, in hotter climates, they can benefit from light afternoon shade to protect them from the most intense heat.
TemperatureTulips generally prefer cooler temperatures and are well-suited for the chillier months leading up to spring. The Tulipa 'Candela' can survive winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and should be planted in the fall for a spring bloom. The ideal growing temperature for this tulip ranges between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can start to struggle if temperatures frequently exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning is not typically necessary for the Tulipa 'Candela' as they are not perennial in many conditions and only bloom once. However, after flowering, the spent flowers should be deadheaded by cutting back the stem to the first set of leaves. This prevents the tulip from expending energy on seed production. If the foliage remains green, allow it to die back naturally; this helps the bulb store energy for the next year's bloom. Prune only the flower stems after blooming, usually in late spring to early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTulips, including the 'Candela' variety, thrive in a well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix for tulips can be made by combining equal parts of loamy garden soil, compost, and sharp sand to ensure proper drainage and nutrient availability.
RepottingTulips, such as 'Candela', do not typically require repotting as they are grown from bulbs. Instead, bulbs should be planted annually in the autumn. After the tulips have bloomed and the foliage has died back in late spring or early summer, the bulbs can be lifted, stored, and then replanted in the fall.
Humidity & MistingTulips, including 'Candela', are quite adaptable and do not require specific humidity conditions. They will do well in the typical outdoor humidity levels found in their growing regions, making humidity considerations less critical compared to other environmental factors like soil, light, and water.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, and water moderately.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa 'Candela', commonly known as the Candela tulip, starts its life as a bulb planted in autumn before the first frost. The bulb remains dormant underground during the winter months, utilizing the cold period to break dormancy. In the spring, the bulb sprouts, sending up leaves and a stem, culminating in the development of a distinctive tapered and pointed flower that is characteristic of the 'Candela' variety. After flowering, which occurs from early to mid-spring, the plant goes through a period of photosynthesis and nutrient storage, during which the leaves remain green and photosynthetically active. As the foliage begins to yellow and die back, the bulb enters into a new phase of dormancy during the summer months, conserving energy for the next growing season. This cycle repeats annually, with bulbs potentially producing offsets, or daughter bulbs, which can be separated and planted to produce new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulipa 'Candela', commonly known as the Candela tulip, is typically propagated through bulb division, a process best undertaken in the fall once the foliage has died back. To propagate, carefully dig up the bulbs after the plant has finished flowering and the leaves have yellowed, which indicates a period of dormancy. Gently separate the small, offset bulbs, which are the tulip's natural way of cloning itself, from the parent bulb. These offsets can then be planted immediately to a depth of 6 to 8 inches (15.2 to 20.3 cm) apart in well-drained soil, ideally in a sunny location. Watering should be done sparingly, as excessive moisture can lead to bulb rot. By the next spring, these offsets will have established roots and will likely produce their own blooms, continuing the growth cycle of the Candela tulip.
