Tulip Tulipa 'Couleur Cardinal' (3)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'Couleur Cardinal' is a vibrant, striking tulip renowned for its deep, richly colored blooms. The petals have a satin-like finish and display a crimson base hue that can appear almost velvety. Adding to its allure, the petals are flushed with a slightly darker tone, often described as plum or purple, which tends to emphasize their elegant shape. Inside the petals, there's a contrasting, often paler or golden coloration around the stamens. The flower's general form is a classic tulip cup shape, with the petals gracefully curving outward from the tip as if reaching towards the light. The leaves of the 'Couleur Cardinal' tulip are similarly characteristic of tulips overall, with a glossy green color and a lance-like or narrow shape. They tightly clasp the stem at the base, sometimes exhibiting a slight wave or undulation on their margins for added visual interest. Overall, the plant presents a very traditional tulip profile with a bloom that is distinct and vividly hued, leaving an indelible mark on any garden setting where it is featured.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
Tulip, Couleur Cardinal Tulip.
Common names
Tulipa 'Couleur Cardinal'
ToxicityTo humans
Tulips contain alkaloid and glycoside compounds that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. The most toxic part of the tulip is the bulb. Ingesting tulip bulbs, particularly in large amounts, can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to increased heart rate and changes in breathing. The symptoms are typically not life-threatening and are more likely to occur if large quantities are consumed.
To pets
Tulips are toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. The compounds that cause toxicity in humans, primarily concentrated in the bulb, are also toxic to animals. Ingesting any part of a tulip can cause symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and depression of the central nervous system. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac issues and convulsions. It's important to keep pets away from tulips to prevent the risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Tulipa 'Couleur Cardinal' (3), commonly known as Tulip 'Couleur Cardinal', is highly prized for its striking deep red, almost crimson, flowers that add a vibrant splash of color to spring gardens.
- Easy to grow: Tulips are generally easy to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of soil types, though they prefer well-drained soil and a sunny location.
- Cutting garden staple: The robust stems and beautiful blooms of the Tulip 'Couleur Cardinal' make it an excellent choice for cutting gardens, providing material for floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Pollinator attraction: While Tulips are not known for their ability to attract a vast array of pollinators, their blooms can still attract bees and other pollinating insects during early spring.
- Spring interest: As a spring-flowering bulb, Tulip 'Couleur Cardinal' provides early color in the garden after a long winter, heralding the arrival of warmer weather.
- Combination planting: Tulips can be planted alongside other spring bulbs such as daffodils and hyacinths to create a succession of bloom and a rich tapestry of color.
- Theme gardening: Due to its distinctive color and classic shape, Tulip 'Couleur Cardinal' can be used as part of a specific color-themed garden design, such as a red or warm tones garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The petals of Tulip 'Couleur Cardinal' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a soft, pinkish-red hue to textiles.
- The sturdy stems can be a source of organic matter for composting, enriching the soil as they break down.
- Its unique color makes it an ideal candidate for creating tulip petal mosaics or other forms of floral art.
- Dried tulip petals can be incorporated into homemade potpourri blends for natural home fragrances.
- The bulbs can be used for a science project on plant growth, demonstrating the stages from bulb to bloom.
- Tulip flowers can be crystallized with sugar and used as edible decorations on cakes and desserts.
- Pressed tulip petals can be used in crafting, such as in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or decorative glass placements.
- Fallen petals may serve as a colorful mulch in garden beds, adding aesthetic value while helping to retain soil moisture.
- Tulips can be a food source for certain species of animals and insects when planted in an ecosystem-friendly garden.
- The form and color of the tulip can inspire designs in fields like fashion, where they may influence patterns and textures in textiles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tulip is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Passion: The deep red hues of the 'Couleur Cardinal' Tulip are often associated with strong emotions of love and passion, making it a popular choice for romantic occasions like Valentine's Day.
- Perfect Love: As a member of the tulip family, 'Couleur Cardinal' Tulips symbolize the concept of perfect love, which is a common theme in various cultures and literature.
- Spring and Rebirth: Tulips, including the 'Couleur Cardinal', are known to bloom in spring, making them symbols of new beginnings, rebirth, and the rejuvenation of nature after winter.
- Royalty and Nobility: The rich color of the 'Couleur Cardinal' Tulip can also represent nobility and regal presence, reminiscent of the luxurious fabrics and garments favored by the aristocracy in historical times.
WaterTulips, such as 'Couleur Cardinal', require a consistent level of moisture during their growth period. Water the tulips when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically equates to about once a week, depending on weather conditions. Be cautious to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to bulb rot. When watering, apply approximately a half-gallon to a gallon of water per square yard of soil, ensuring an even distribution around the base of the plant without waterlogging the area.
LightTulips, including 'Couleur Cardinal', thrive best in full sunlight. They should be planted in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal location would be an area that is exposed to the morning sun and has some protection from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun.
TemperatureTulips like 'Couleur Cardinal' prefer cooler climates and are hardy in temperatures ranging from roughly 35 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive short periods of colder weather, even down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, extended exposure to heat above 70 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to the plant.
PruningPruning is not necessary for 'Couleur Cardinal' tulips, as they are perennials that naturally die back after blooming. The foliage should be left on the plant to die back naturally, as this helps to feed the bulb for the next season. Only remove yellow or brown leaves that have already died as the season progresses.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTulips prefer well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of three parts garden soil, two parts organic matter such as compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite creates an ideal environment. This composition ensures proper drainage and nutrient availability for Tulip 'Couleur Cardinal'.
RepottingTulip 'Couleur Cardinal' bulbs should be lifted and repotted every 3 to 5 years. It is best to repot them after the foliage has died back, usually in late summer or early fall, before the next growing season.
Humidity & MistingTulips, like 'Couleur Cardinal', generally prefer average outdoor humidity levels and do not require specific humidity adjustments when grown outside in their appropriate climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure ample light; plant in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in autumn, in well-drained soil, full sun.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa 'Couleur Cardinal', commonly known as Tulip 'Couleur Cardinal', begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is planted in the fall before the ground freezes. After a period of winter chilling, which is required for the break of dormancy, the bulb sprouts in early spring, sending up leaves and a stem. The plant blooms in mid to late spring, producing a single vibrant red flower atop a sturdy stem. After flowering, the tulip's petals drop and the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage, replenishing the bulb for the next growing season. In summer, the foliage yellows and eventually dies back as the tulip enters dormancy. The bulb remains dormant underground until the following spring, when the cycle begins anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulipa 'Couleur Cardinal', commonly known as the Couleur Cardinal Tulip, is primarily propagated through the division of its bulbs. The best time to divide and propagate these tulips is in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the bulbs enter a dormant state. To propagate, carefully dig up the tulip bulbs and gently separate any offsets, which are the smaller bulbs that form at the base of the main bulb. Each offset can be replanted to grow into a new tulip plant. It's essential to plant the bulbs at a depth three times their height and about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart to ensure adequate space for the bulbs to develop. Proper soil preparation, with good drainage and a location that receives full sun, will favor the best growth of these new tulip plants.
