Tulip Tulipa 'Flair' (1)
ABOUT
The Tulipa 'Flair' is a striking variety of tulips known for their vibrant and distinctive flowers. The petals of 'Flair' tulips are a vivid yellow color with a pronounced red flame-like design starting at the base and rising up the sides of each petal, often described as streaks or feathering. This contrast creates a dramatic visual effect that resembles flames licking the edges of the petals. The blooms are cup-shaped when they first open and gradually become more star-like over time. The leaves of this tulip are lance-shaped, with a rich green color that provides a lush background for the attention-grabbing flowers. Additionally, the leaves may have a wavy or slightly ruffled edge, adding to the elegance and texture of the plant. Overall, the Tulipa 'Flair' is known for its ornate, cheerful blooms that can brighten any garden space with their fiery coloration.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Flair Tulip, Tulipa 'Flair'
Common names
Tulipa 'Flair'.
ToxicityTo humans
Tulips, including the cultivar 'Flair', contain allergenic lactones and other compounds that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. While accidental ingestions typically result in mild symptoms, consuming parts of the tulip can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth and throat. Handling the bulbs may also cause allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Tulips are toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. The toxic principle in these flowers is concentrated in the bulbs, but all parts of the plant can be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of tulip poisoning in pets may include vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and hypersalivation. In more severe cases, ingesting large amounts of the bulb can lead to an increase in heart rate and changes in breathing. If a pet ingests tulip bulbs, it is recommended to seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Tulips add vibrant color and beauty to gardens and landscapes, with 'Flair' offering striking flowers that enhance visual interest.
- Easy to Grow: Tulips, including 'Flair', are known for being easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring Bloomer: As a spring-blooming bulb, 'Flair' tulips contribute to the first bursts of color after winter, signaling the change of seasons.
- Cut Flowers: Tulipa 'Flair' is excellent for cut flower arrangements due to its sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms.
- Diverse Landscaping: Tulips can be used in a variety of landscaping designs, such as borders, containers, and mass plantings, to create visually appealing displays.
- Attracts Pollinators: Tulips can attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, which are beneficial for the pollination of plants and the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
- Durability: Many varieties of tulips, including 'Flair', are hardy and can withstand cold, with proper planting and care.
- Symbolism: Tulips are often associated with love and happiness, making them a thoughtful addition to gardens that serve as personal sanctuaries or represent significant emotions.
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 are edible and can be used to add a colorful garnish to salads and desserts, often as a visually appealing alternative to more common edible flowers.
- The bulbs of tulips can be used in a technique called "tulip bulb carving" to create intricate artwork, a practice that dates back hundreds of years in Europe.
- Natural dyes can be extracted from tulips, particularly from the petals, which can then be used in textile dyeing or for other artistic purposes.
- Some cultures use dried tulip petals in potpourri blends, taking advantage of their shape and color to enhance the visual appeal of the mixture.
- Tulips can be used in floral waters or as part of homemade perfumes, providing a subtle fragrance when infused in water or oils.
- As a symbol of spring and rebirth, tulips can be incorporated into celebrations and festivals as a motif that represents the season.
- Tulips, when dried and pressed, can be used in crafting, such as in creating personalized greeting cards or bookmarks.
- The vibrant flowers can be a natural pest deterrent when planted among certain vegetables, as they can help distract or confuse pests.
- In photography and art, tulips can be a subject for practicing still life compositions and lighting due to their distinct shapes and wide color range.
- Cut tulips can serve as a natural color indicator for water pH levels, as their petals can change color slightly based on the acidity or alkalinity of the water they are placed in.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiTulips can be used in Feng Shui to attract love, enhance personal relationships, and bring positive energy to the environment. Place them in the love and marriage area of your home, which is traditionally the southwest corner, to help nurture romantic relationships. Choose pink tulips for love and white tulips for peace and calm.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perfect Love: Tulips, in general, are often associated with perfect and deep love. The elegant form and vibrant colors of Tulipa 'Flair' can symbolize the lover's heart, full of passion and emotion.
- Royalty: The bold color and stature of Tulip 'Flair' align with symbols of nobility and regal presence, suggesting a sense of majesty and dignity.
- Renewal: Tulips are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, making them a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings. Tulipa 'Flair', with its early spring appearance, reaffirms this symbolism.
- Prosperity: Historically associated with the Dutch Golden Age, tulips can represent wealth and prosperity. The Tulip 'Flair', being a cultivated variety, continues this association with abundance and success.
- Charity: Tulip 'Flair', as part of the larger floral community, symbolizes caring and compassionate love. It's a reminder of the selfless actions that enrich the lives of others.
WaterTulips require moderate watering and it's crucial to avoid overwatering as they can rot in overly wet soil. During active growth in the spring, water your Tulipa 'Flair' thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry. This is typically once a week, but it may vary depending on climate conditions such as heat and wind which can dry out the soil more quickly. Each plant will generally need about 12-16 onzes of water, ensuring moisture reaches the bulb. After the tulips have bloomed and the foliage has died back, you should cease watering altogether to allow the bulb to rest during dormancy.
LightTulips thrive best in full sun to partial shade environments. For Tulipa 'Flair', choose a spot in the garden where they will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in a particularly hot climate, a location with morning sun and afternoon shade can help protect the blooms from intense heat.
TemperatureTulips, including the Tulipa 'Flair', prefer cool springtime temperatures and can survive winter chills. They can handle temperatures as low as the upper 20s Fahrenheit during the dormant winter period. During the growing season, a range between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit can impair growth and reduce the lifespan of the blooms.
PruningPruning of Tulipa 'Flair' is minimal and typically involves deadheading the spent flowers after they fade to redirect energy to the bulb rather than seed production. Remove only the flower heads, leaving the foliage intact. Continue to care for the leaves until they turn yellow and die back naturally, usually about six weeks after blooming, which is the right time to cut back the rest of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTulips prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix for Tulip 'Flair' is a combination of loamy soil, compost, and sand to ensure good drainage and aeration. Adding a slow-release bulb fertilizer to the mix can provide essential nutrients.
RepottingTulip 'Flair', like other tulips, doesn't typically need repotting as they grow from bulbs. They should be planted in the ground or containers outdoors, and after flowering, the bulbs can be lifted and stored if necessary until the next planting season.
Humidity & MistingTulips, including the 'Flair' variety, are tolerant of a range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions. Ambient outdoor humidity is generally sufficient for their growth and development.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in well-draining soil, place in bright, indirect light, and keep cool.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, well-draining soil, full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA.
Life cycleThe Tulipa 'Flair', commonly known as the Tulip 'Flair', begins its life as a bulb, which is planted in the fall before the ground freezes. After a period of winter chilling, it breaks dormancy in early spring, sending up shoots, leaves, and finally a flower stalk as temperatures rise. The tulip blooms, displaying its vibrant petals, which attracts pollinators to facilitate reproduction. Once flowering is complete, the petals wilt and the plant focuses its energy on strengthening the bulb for the next cycle. Throughout the summer, the foliage photosynthesizes to produce and store nutrients in the bulb until the leaves yellow and die back. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the hot summer months, lying in wait beneath the soil to begin the cycle anew when the temperatures drop in the fall.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The Tulipa 'Flair' is a variety of tulip commonly propagated through dividing and replanting the bulbs. This process is best carried out in the fall, several weeks before the ground freezes. To propagate, you should carefully dig up the tulip bulbs after the foliage has died back post-flowering, usually in late summer. Gently separate the smaller, offset bulbs, which are also known as bulblets or daughter bulbs, from the main bulb. These offsets should then be planted about 8 inches (20 centimeters) apart and 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep, in well-draining soil with access to full sun. Water the newly planted bulbs well. This method of bulb division allows the new Tulipa 'Flair' bulbs to establish roots before the winter cold sets in, leading to healthy growth and beautiful blooms in the following spring.
