Eastern Star Tulip Tulipa humilis 'Eastern Spice' (15)
ABOUT
Tulipa humilis 'Eastern Spice' is an enchanting variety of tulip known for its alluring and exotic appearance. This plant has a vibrant and colorful display that makes it a standout addition to any garden. The flowers of this tulip resemble classic cup-shaped blooms with a slight flare at the edges, resembling a star when viewed from above. The petals are exceptionally rich in color, often boasting a deep, warm base hue that blends into a radiant and glowing edge. The colors can range from deep purples and reds to softer pinks and oranges, often blending several shades into a single petal which creates a variegated effect. The inner part of the flower, when inspected closely, may reveal intricate patterns of markings or a different shade that adds to its intricate beauty. These can include attractive streaks, spots, or a brushed effect that gives each bloom a unique quality. The center of the flower typically contains contrasting reproductive parts that stand strikingly against the colored petals. The leaves of 'Eastern Spice' tulips are typically a fresh green color, with a narrow, elongated shape that sometimes exhibits a wavy or curled edge, adding to the overall texture and form of the plant. This tulip often exudes a delightful fragrance, which is not as common in many other tulip varieties, lending an additional sensory experience to its visual charm. The scent can be described as sweet and inviting, contributing to the tulip's name 'Eastern Spice' as it adds a spicy note to its surrounding atmosphere. With such an alluring appearance and delightful perfume, the 'Eastern Spice' tulip is a favorite for those looking to infuse their gardens with both beauty and fragrance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Eastern Spice Tulip
Common names
Tulipa humilis var. pulchella, Tulipa pulchella, Tulipa aucheriana, Tulipa violacea, Tulipa humilis var. aucheriana
ToxicityTo humans
Tulipa humilis, commonly known as Tulip, is not typically considered highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it can cause mild irritation if ingested. Symptoms of tulip ingestion may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, individuals may experience allergic reactions, which could result in skin rashes. It's important to note that the bulb of the tulip contains the highest concentration of potentially irritating compounds, so it poses the greatest risk if consumed.
To pets
Tulips are known to be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. The plant contains compounds called lactones and alkaloids, which can be harmful if ingested. The bulb of the tulip plant is where the highest concentration of these toxic substances is found. Symptoms of tulip poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and in severe cases, an increase in heart rate and difficulty breathing. If a pet ingests any part of a tulip, it is essential to seek veterinary attention promptly to manage the toxicity and prevent more severe health consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Spread
3 inches (7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Landscape Aesthetics - Tulipa humilis 'Eastern Spice' is valued for its vibrant colors and unique pattern, adding visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Supports Pollinators - It provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, which is essential for the health of ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest - With its spring blooming habit, it creates seasonal interest in gardens, marking the transition from winter to spring.
- Easy to Cultivate - It's known for being easy to grow, requiring minimal maintenance, which makes it suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
- Container Gardening - Due to its compact size, it is well-suited for pots and planters, providing flexibility in garden design and space use.
- Resilience to Pests and Diseases - It tends to be resistant to many common garden pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Breeding and Hybridization - This variety can be used in breeding programs to create new cultivars, helping to diversify the genetic pool of tulips.
- Multiplication - Bulbs can multiply underground, providing more plants over time and making it cost-effective for gardeners.
- Cold Tolerance - It is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for a range of climatic conditions and landscapes.
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 as natural food dye: The brightly colored petals of 'Eastern Spice' tulips can be used as a natural food coloring agent to give dishes an attractive hue.
- Educational tool in botany: This particular tulip variety, due to its unique characteristics, can serve as an educational specimen for botany students studying plant diversity and adaptation.
- Photography subject: The striking colors and patterns of 'Eastern Spice' make it a favorite subject for photographers, especially those specializing in macro and nature photography.
- Crafts and artwork: The petals and leaves can be pressed and used in creating botanical artworks, greeting cards, or unique pieces of jewelry.
- Perfumery: Although not commercially usual, the fragrance of 'Eastern Spice' tulips can potentially be used in homemade perfumes or scented sachets.
- Flower arrangement and design classes: This variety's unique appearance makes it a valuable example for teaching flower arrangement and design techniques.
- Decoration for events and ceremonies: The bulbs can be forced to bloom out of season to provide distinctive floral decorations for special events.
- Garden compost: After blooming, the spent flowers, leaves, and stems can be added to a compost pile to return nutrients to the soil.
- Symbolic use in literature and art: 'Eastern Spice' tulips can represent elements of beauty, transience, or specific themes in literary and artistic expressions.
- Color palette inspiration: The unique coloration of 'Eastern Spice' tulips can provide inspiration for designers and artists seeking new color combinations or themes.
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 signify perfect and deep love. Being a variety of tulip, 'Eastern Spice' shares this representation.
- Declaration of Love - In history, 'Eastern Spice' tulip, like other tulips, would be used to declare one's love.
- Renewal - With their early spring bloom, tulips often symbolize rebirth or renewal.
- Fame - Because of their striking appearance, tulips can symbolize fame or being noticed.
- Charity - Some cultures associate tulips with charity, perhaps because of their open form resembling an open heart.
WaterWater Persian tulip sparingly, as it is a bulbous plant that requires well-drained soil and is prone to rot if overwatered. During active growth in the spring, water once every one to two weeks with about one gallon per square yard, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. After flowering, gradually reduce watering to allow the soil to dry out as the bulbs enter dormancy.
LightPersian tulips thrive in full sun to partial shade. They perform best when planted in a spot that receives several hours of direct sunlight in the morning, with some afternoon shade to protect them from the intense heat. Ensure the planting site is bright but not exposed to scorching midday sun.
TemperaturePersian tulips prefer temperate conditions and are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. They can withstand winter temperatures as low as -30°F and can survive summer heat up to 90°F. For optimal growth, maintain temperatures between 60°F and 70°F during their active growing season.
PruningPruning of Persian tulips is minimal and consists mainly of deadheading spent flowers to encourage bulb strength. After the blooms fade, cut back the flower stalks but leave the foliage in place until it dies back naturally to allow the plant to photosynthesize and store energy for the next season. The best time for pruning is late spring or early summer when the flowers have finished blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEastern Spice Tulip thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing equal parts of sand, garden soil, and compost or well-rotted manure is ideal, ensuring proper nutrition and drainage.
RepottingEastern Spice Tulip bulbs should be lifted and divided every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain plant vigor. They are typically repotted after the foliage has died back in late spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingEastern Spice Tulip prefers moderate ambient humidity but is generally tolerant of the varying humidity levels found in most temperate outdoor environments. It does not require specific humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Eastern Spice Tulip indoors with bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant Eastern Spice Tulip in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa humilis 'Eastern Spice', commonly known as Tulip 'Eastern Spice', begins its life cycle when its bulb, typically planted in the fall, becomes dormant to survive the winter. In early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, sending up shoots that mature into slender stems and leaves. By mid-spring, the plant blooms, producing vibrant flowers that last for a few weeks before wilting. After flowering, the plant focuses energy on rebuilding its bulb, which stores nutrients for the next season. Throughout the summer, as the foliage dies back, the bulb enters dormancy again. This cycle repeats annually, with the bulb potentially producing offsets, leading to the natural propagation of new bulbs.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: Tulipa humilis 'Eastern Spice', commonly referred to as Eastern Star Tulip, is propogated primarily through the separation and planting of its bulbs. The best time to propagate this tulip is in the fall, just as the temperatures start dropping but before the ground freezes. You'll want to gently lift the mother bulb from the soil after the foliage has yellowed and died back, which is a signal that the bulb has entered dormancy. Each bulb will usually have smaller bulbs, or offsets, attached at its base. Carefully break these offsets away from the mother bulb and replant them immediately at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, spaced about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) apart to give each one enough room to grow. This method ensures that the newly planted bulbs can establish roots before the winter, which then leads to growth and flowering in the spring.
