Tulip Tulipa 'Cummins' (7)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'Cummins' is a captivating plant known for its alluring flowers commonly referred to as fringed tulips. The blooms exhibit a unique fringe or frill on the edges of their petals, which gives the flowers a striking and ornamental appearance. The color of these tulip flowers is a delightful combination of lavender and lilac, with the petals showcasing a gradient of hues that blend seamlessly from the base to the tip. The inner portion of the petals presents a deeper, more intense shade, which can often appear almost royal purple. The center of each flower houses the reproductive parts, typically a contrasting color that easily catches the eye. The leaves of this plant are narrow and elongated, providing a beautiful backdrop to the vivid blossoms. These leaves are a deep green shade, which accentuates the lighter purple of the petals. The overall form of the flower is a classic cup shape when in full bloom, gracefully opening to the sun and exhibiting its full splendor. The fringed edges of the petals add a textural dimension to the blooms that stands out in the garden. This delightful texture, combined with the charming gradient of purple makes Tulipa 'Cummins' a sought-after plant for those wishing to add an element of elegance and whimsy to their floral displays. The bloom period, dependent on the climate, brings a pop of color that signals the arrival of warmer days. This tulip variety is often used in flower beds, borders, and as a joyful addition to cut flower arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Cummins Tulip, Fosteriana Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'Cummins'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as the tulip, is generally not highly toxic to humans; however, ingestion of any part of the tulip can cause symptoms. These symptoms typically include irritation of the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or more serious symptoms if consumed in large quantities. It is always advisable to keep tulips out of the reach of children who might be tempted to eat them.
To pets
Tulips are known to be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If a pet ingests part of a tulip, particularly the bulbs, they might experience symptoms including gastrointestinal upset, hypersalivation, vomiting, or diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion might lead to depression of the central nervous system and cardiac abnormalities. Pet owners should be vigilant and keep tulips, particularly the bulbs, away from their animals to prevent poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet [30-60 cm]
Spread
4-6 inches [10-15 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Tulipa 'Cummins' adds beauty to gardens with its striking colors and unique fringed petals.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts beneficial insects such as bees, which are essential for pollination and a healthy ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: Tulips are among the easiest of bulbs to grow, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Seasonal Interest: They bloom in spring, providing a burst of color after the winter months and signaling the start of the growing season.
- Cut Flower Gardens: Ideal for cutting gardens as they have sturdy stems and their blooms are long-lasting when cut and placed in water.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be planted in beds, borders, containers, and under trees, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Symbolic Flower: Tulips are often associated with perfect love and abundance, adding not just visual beauty but also symbolic meaning to a garden or bouquet.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tulip petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of colors from pinks to yellows depending on the tint of the bloom and the mordant used.
- The strong stems of Tulips can be woven into small decorative baskets or used in other intricate crafts as a sustainable material.
- Tulip bulbs can be used in a survival situation as a food source, though they are not commonly consumed and should be approached with caution due to potential allergenic effects.
- The vibrant colors of Tulips can be utilized in art, such as by pressing the petals to create botanical prints or using them as natural paints when crushed.
- In some cultures, Tulip petals are used in ceremonies and celebrations, either scattered as confetti or woven into garlands and headdresses.
- Tulips can serve as a natural pest control in gardens by attracting beneficial insects that prey on harmful garden pests.
- The bulb of the Tulip can be used as a mold for candle making, creating decorative floral shapes when the wax is set and the bulb is removed.
- White or light-colored Tulip petals can be written on with a fine-tipped marker, offering a unique way to send messages in a bouquet.
- Tulips can be used for educational purposes, such as teaching children about plant biology, the lifecycle of a flower, and the importance of pollinators.
- During the blooming season, Tulips can be strategically placed to guide foot traffic in public spaces or events, naturally creating pathways and barriers.
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: As a member of the tulip family, Tulipa 'Cummins' represents perfect or deep love, reflecting the flower's historical associations with passion and romance.
- Declaration of Love: Giving someone a tulip is traditionally a way to declare one's love, with its bold shape and colors symbolizing a lover's courage.
- Royalty: Tulips, including the 'Cummins' variety, are often associated with royalty due to their regal appearance and history of being highly valued and sought after, especially during the Tulip Mania in the Dutch Golden Age.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, tulips are a symbol of abundance and prosperity, as they were once traded and used as a form of currency.
- Forgiveness: Gifting tulips can also symbolize asking for forgiveness or expressing regret, as the flower can stand for peace and reconciliation.
- Spring & Rebirth: As tulips are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, they symbolize new beginnings, rebirth, and the beauty of nature's renewal.
WaterTulips require well-drained soil and should be watered moderately. For 'Cummins' tulips, it's best to water them thoroughly once a week with about half a gallon per square foot, ensuring you moisten the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to bulb rot. During active growth periods in the spring, if there is no rain, additional watering may be necessary. However, once the tulips have bloomed and the foliage starts to die back, reduce watering to allow the bulbs to dry out before dormancy.
LightTulips thrive in full sun to partial shade, so 'Cummins' tulips should be planted in a location where they can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. They can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates. The best spot for these tulips is an area that gets bright, direct light in the morning with some protection from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun.
TemperatureTulips, including 'Cummins', prefer cool to temperate climates and can survive winter temperatures as low as 14°F. The ideal temperature for tulip growth is between 50°F and 70°F. However, they require a period of cold dormancy, with temperatures below 55°F for about 12-16 weeks, to bloom well in the spring. Once established, they are fairly resilient to temperature fluctuations within these ranges.
PruningPruning 'Cummins' tulips involves deadheading spent flowers to prevent the plant from using energy to produce seeds. Remove only the flower heads and leave the foliage intact. Prune tulips after the blooms have faded, typically in late spring or early summer. Allow the leaves to die back naturally before removing them, as they help store energy in the bulb for next year's flowers.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Tulip 'Cummins' is well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content. The ideal pH range for tulips is between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend garden soil with compost and sand to improve drainage and fertility.
RepottingTulip 'Cummins', like other tulips, does not need repotting as they grow from bulbs. The bulbs should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes and are typically lifted and separated every 3-5 years or when they become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingTulip 'Cummins' is tolerant of the outdoor ambient humidity levels common in temperate climates and does not require specific humidity control. They thrive in outdoor conditions where the natural variation of humidity is present.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and plant in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in autumn, full sun, in fertile, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa 'Cummins', commonly known as the Cummins Tulip, begins its life cycle when the bulb is planted in the fall before the first frost. The bulb undergoes a period of cold dormancy which is crucial for root development and spring growth initiation. In early spring, the bulb awakens and sprouts, developing leaves and a stem that will bear a single, distinctive flower often in shades of purple with a white edge. After blooming, which typically occurs in mid to late spring, the flower will eventually wilt and the plant will direct energy into the replenishment and growth of the bulb underground. Once the foliage has died back completely, the bulb enters a period of summer dormancy. The cycle is set to repeat when the bulb re-enters growth the following spring, continuously producing new blooms each year if conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulip 'Cummins', commonly known as the 'Cummins' tulip, is typically propagated using bulbs. The optimal time to propagate these tulips is in the fall, before the ground freezes. The bulbs should be planted approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) deep and about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart in well-drained soil. After planting, the bulbs require a period of cold dormancy to develop roots and prepare for spring growth. Once the tulips finish blooming in spring, the foliage should be allowed to die back naturally before digging up the bulbs if they need to be moved or divided. This annual or biennial division helps to rejuvenate crowded beds and provides new bulbs for propagation, ensuring continual blooms for the following seasons.
