Tulip Tulipa 'Drumline' (11)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'Drumline' is a distinctive variety of tulip known for its unique and eye-catching flowers. The blooms are large and double, giving them a peony-like appearance with layers of petals. The flowers sport a dramatic color palette, with petals that are a deep, rich purple, often appearing nearly black at the base, which can fade to a lighter purple or magenta toward the edges. The petals are also characterized by their fringed or feathered edges, adding to the luxurious and intricate look of the bloom. The foliage of 'Drumline' tulips is a bright green color, which provides a striking contrast to the dark, sumptuous tones of the flowers. The leaves are typically long and lance-shaped, with a smooth texture, presenting a neat and tidy appearance that complements the dramatic flowers. As part of the tulip family, this plant displays the typical form associated with tulips, with a single flower per stem and an upright, elegant bearing that makes it a popular choice for garden displays and cut flower arrangements. The visual impact of Tulipa 'Drumline' is most pronounced when they are planted in clusters, creating a tapestry of rich color and texture that can become a focal point in any garden setting. Due to their bold and luxurious look, 'Drumline' tulips are often favored for formal garden designs, as well as for occasions that call for a touch of drama and sophistication.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Drumline Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'Drumline'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Tulipa 'Drumline' is Tulip. Tulips are not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause mild irritation if ingested. Parts of the tulip, such as the bulb, contain allergenic lactones and other alkaloids. Ingesting tulip bulbs can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. It is important to avoid consuming any part of the tulip to prevent these potential symptoms.
To pets
The Tulip is known to be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. The toxic principle is concentrated in the bulbs of the plant, but all parts can be potentially harmful if ingested. Symptoms of tulip poisoning in pets may include vomiting, depression, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and in rare cases, an increase in heart rate and changes in respiration. Large quantities consumed can lead to more serious conditions like central nervous system depression or even cardiac abnormalities. If you suspect that your pet has ingested any part of a tulip, it's important to seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Tulipa 'Drumline' produces vibrant, peony-like flowers that add a dramatic display of color to any garden.
- Spring Interest: It blooms in the spring, providing a cheerful signal that warmer weather is on the way.
- Garden Design: Its unique flower shape and bright colors can be used to create stunning garden designs and borders.
- Pollinator Friendly: While this tulip may not be the top choice for pollinators, it can still attract bees and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Easy to Grow: It is relatively easy to cultivate, requiring basic garden care and maintenance.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it can come back year after year with proper care, offering long-term garden enjoyment.
- Diversity in Landscaping: Tulipa 'Drumline' can be used in various landscaping plans, including formal, cottage, and contemporary gardens.
- Seasonal Bulb Planting: It offers gardeners the traditional experience of seasonal bulb planting.
- Symbolism: Tulips are often associated with different symbols, such as love and happiness, which can add an extra layer of meaning to gardens and bouquets.
- Cut Flowers: Like many tulips, 'Drumline' is suitable for cutting and creating floral arrangements that can brighten up indoor spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tulips, including the 'Drumline' variety, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics and textiles, producing a range of colors from soft yellows to rich greens depending on the parts of the plant used.
- The petals of the Tulip 'Drumline' can be used to create eco-friendly confetti for events such as weddings, as they are biodegradable and add a splash of color.
- Artists and children alike can use crushed tulip petals for creating a natural paint pigment for arts and crafts.
- 'Drumline' tulip bulbs can be used in a technique known as bulb forcing, where they are tricked into blooming early indoors to provide color and natural decor in winter months.
- The sturdy stems and distinctive cups of Tulip 'Drumline' make them excellent plants for practicing ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging.
- Blossoms of the Tulip 'Drumline' can be carefully hollowed out and used as delicate, organic holders for individual servings of appetizers or desserts at a fancy party.
- The captivating shape and color of 'Drumline' tulips can inspire patterns and designs in fabric printing, wallpaper, or other interior design elements.
- Dried and pressed 'Drumline' tulip petals can be used to create unique and natural bookmarks which can also double as thoughtful gifts.
- Intricate parts of the Tulip 'Drumline', such as petals and leaves, can be used in scrapbooking or to adorn greeting cards for a touch of nature.
- 'Drumline' tulip petals can be frozen into ice cubes to add an elegant and colorful touch to beverages for special occasions.
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, represent perfect or deep love, making them a popular choice for romantic occasions.
- Declaration of Love: Giving a tulip, such as the 'Drumline' variety, is a way to declare one's love, as it's often associated with the legend of a prince who professed his love for a maiden with this flower.
- Rebirth: Given their spring bloom, tulips symbolize rebirth and the coming of new seasons or beginnings.
- Charity: The tulip can also be a symbol of charity and support for less fortunate individuals or groups.
- Royalty: The shape and majestic presence of the tulip, particularly the 'Drumline' with its bold colors, can represent elegance and regal power.
WaterTulips require moderate watering. During the growing season, water Drumline tulips when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every week, with about half a gallon per square foot of soil. They require consistent moisture but do not like being waterlogged. After they have finished blooming and the foliage has yellowed, typically in late spring or early summer, you can reduce watering as the bulbs enter dormancy.
LightTulips, including the Drumline variety, thrive in full sun to partial shade. The best spot is one that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. However, they can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in warmer regions where the midday sun can be particularly intense.
TemperatureDrumline tulips prefer temperate climates with cool winters and springs. They can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit and enjoy a growing season with temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to not expose tulips to prolonged periods above 70 degrees Fahrenheit as this can impact their bloom and growth cycle.
PruningFor Drumline tulips, pruning is mainly about removing spent flowers and yellowing foliage. Deadhead tulips once the flowers have faded to prevent seed production. After blooming, allow the leaves to remain until they yellow and die back naturally, usually 6 weeks post-flowering, which helps the bulbs store energy for the next season. Prune off the dead leaves to maintain tidiness.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDouble late tulips like Tulipa 'Drumline' thrive in well-draining soil with fertile loamy or sandy composition. The ideal pH for this plant should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the planting area will provide essential nutrients and enhance the soil structure. It's important to avoid heavy clay soils or locations where water pools as these can cause bulb rot.
RepottingThe Double late tulip 'Drumline' is typically grown from bulbs and does not require repotting in the way potted plants do. Instead, the bulbs should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes. After flowering in the spring and once the foliage has died back, the bulbs can be lifted and stored in a cool, dry place if necessary and then replanted the next autumn.
Humidity & MistingDouble late tulips like Tulipa 'Drumline' are tolerant of a range of humidity levels and are more dependent on proper soil moisture. They do not require specific humidity conditions, as their growth season is mostly in the cooler and wetter part of the year. Maintaining average outdoor humidity levels will suffice for these tulips.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant bulbs in pots with drainage holes, and place in a cool, sunny spot.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in the fall, 4-6 inches deep, in a sunny spot.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Tulip 'Drumline' begins when a bulb is planted in the fall, a few inches deep in well-drained soil. As temperatures warm in spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sends up a shoot, with leaves unfolding and photosynthesis beginning. The plant continues to grow and eventually produces a characteristic vibrant double flower, usually peaking in mid to late spring. After blooming, the foliage begins to yellow and wither as the plant enters a dormant period in summer, recharging the bulb for the next season. During dormancy, the bulb can multiply by producing offsets or be dug up and divided for propagation. The cycle repeats each year with the bulb remaining dormant underground until the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The Tulipa 'Drumline', commonly known as the Drumline Tulip, is most popularly propagated through the division of its bulbs. The best time to propagate tulips by bulb division is in the fall, when the bulbs are dormant. Once the foliage has died back at the end of the blooming season and has been left to photosynthesize and strengthen the bulb for about six weeks, the tulip bulbs can be gently lifted from the soil. The offsets, or daughter bulbs, that have formed around the base of the parent bulb are carefully separated and then replanted at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), spaced approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart in well-drained soil. This will allow adequate room for root growth and helps to prevent overcrowding. The area should have full or partial sun exposure to provide the necessary light for the tulips to thrive in their new location the following spring.
