Tulip Tulipa 'Hamilton' (7)
ABOUT
The Tulipa 'Hamilton' is a type of tulip known for its vibrant appearance and is part of the lily family. It has a strong and sturdy stem that holds up the flower head well. The flower itself is large and goblet-shaped, which is characteristic of tulips. The petals are richly colored, with a warm, golden-yellow hue that can sometimes be described as buttery or sunny. The edges of the petals may have a slight reddish or orange tinge, adding a beautiful contrast to the yellow. Inside the bloom, at the base of the petals, there is often a deeper yellow or even an orange blotch, which adds depth and interest to the flower's appearance. The leaves of Tulipa 'Hamilton' are lance-shaped, with a smooth and somewhat waxy surface, and exhibit a deep green color that complements the bright flowers. Overall, the plant is appreciated for its bold and showy blooms that make it a striking choice for spring gardens and floral displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Hamilton Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'Hamilton'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is a tulip. While tulips are not generally considered highly toxic to humans, they do contain alkaloids and glycosides that can cause mild to moderate symptoms if ingested in large quantities. The most common issue is a condition known as "tulip fingers," a form of dermatitis that occurs when handling the bulbs without gloves and is not a result of ingestion. If ingested, parts of the tulip, especially the bulb, can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In rare cases, there may be more severe reactions, but this is uncommon. It is advisable to keep tulips out of reach of small children who might accidentally ingest plant parts.
To pets
The plant in question is a tulip. Tulips can be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats, if any parts of the plant are ingested, with the bulb being the most toxic portion. Symptoms of tulip poisoning in pets may include gastrointestinal upset, drooling, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, an increase in heart rate and changes in respiration. Ingesting a large amount of tulip bulbs can lead to more serious conditions, such as central nervous system depression and cardiac abnormalities. It is recommended to keep tulips away from pets and consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
0-1 feet (0-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Landscape Aesthetics: Adds vibrant yellow hues and bold shapes to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Offers nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Tulip 'Hamilton' is known for being hardy and adaptable to a variety of soil conditions.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in spring, providing a seasonal focal point and a cheerful reminder of the changing seasons.
- Symbolic Value: Tulips are often associated with perfect love and fame, adding an element of symbolism to planting them.
- Cut Flower Use: Makes excellent cut flowers, bringing spring beauty into the home for floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye production: The petals of tulips, including the Tulipa 'Hamilton', can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of colors from yellows to pinks depending on the variety.
- Artistic inspiration: Tulipa 'Hamilton', with its bright and vibrant colors, can serve as an inspiring subject for artists and photographers looking to capture the beauty of nature.
- Educational tools: Tulips can be used in educational settings to teach botany and horticulture, showcasing plant growth and development cycles.
- Floral perfumery: While not commonly known for their scent, certain tulip varieties contribute subtly to the creation of perfumes and fragrances.
- Culinary decoration: The colorful petals of Tulipa 'Hamilton' can be used as a decorative addition to salads and desserts, although not all tulips are edible and one should confirm before consuming.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried tulip petals, including those of the Tulipa 'Hamilton', can be used as biodegradable confetti for celebrations, reducing the environmental impact.
- Garden pest control: Tulip petals can act as a natural repellent for certain garden pests, although their effectiveness varies and other control methods may be more reliable.
- Indicator of climate change: The blooming patterns of tulips are sensitive to temperature and can be studied as indicators of climate change and its impact on the environment.
- Bookmark creation: Dried Tulipa 'Hamilton' petals can be laminated to create unique and natural bookmarks for book enthusiasts.
- Mood enhancer: The presence of tulips like the Tulipa 'Hamilton' in a living or work environment can help improve mood and lower stress levels due to their aesthetic appeal.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiTulips can be used in Feng Shui to attract love and create a peaceful, harmonious energy in the home. They should be placed in the Relationship area of a room or the house, which is most often the southwest corner based on the Bagua map. Their vibrant colors, particularly red and pink tulips, are believed to encourage a romantic atmosphere.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perfect Love: The Tulip 'Hamilton', or commonly known as Tulip, symbolizes perfect love, which stems from a Turkish legend wherein a prince named Farhad was love-stricken over the death of his love, Shirin, and tulips grew where his tears fell.
- Declaration of Love: Tulips are often considered a declaration of love, making them popular gifts between romantic partners.
- Royalty: 'Hamilton' being a regal name, associated with the Tulip, can signify nobility and a sense of royalty, reflecting the flower's historical prominence among the elite.
- Prosperity: Due to the historical Tulipmania in the 17th century, tulips have become associated with prosperity and abundance.
- Forgiveness: Giving a Tulip may also be a way to ask for forgiveness, symbolizing an earnest and honest intention to make amends.
- Spring & Rebirth: As a flower that blooms in spring, tulips, including the 'Hamilton' variety, signify the onset of spring, renewal, and the circle of life.
WaterTulips require an adequate amount of water, especially during their growing season in the spring. For Tulipa 'Hamilton', it's best to water them thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch, avoiding excess moisture that can lead to bulb rot. Depending on weather conditions, this may mean watering approximately once a week with one to two gallons per square yard, ensuring that the water reaches deep into the soil to encourage strong root growth. Reduce watering once the foliage begins to die back after blooming, as the bulbs enter their dormant period.
LightThe Tulipa 'Hamilton' performs best in full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal spot for planting is an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Areas with morning sunlight and afternoon shade are suitable, as tulips appreciate cool temperatures during their growth period. Avoid places with full shade, as it can result in weak stems and poor flower development.
TemperatureThe Tulipa 'Hamilton' thrives in a temperate climate with cold winters and mild springs. The bulbs require a chilling period with temperatures between 35-55 degrees Fahrenheit to initiate blooming. The ideal growing temperature for tulips is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night. They can survive short periods of temperatures dipping just below freezing, but extended exposure to temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the bulbs.
PruningPruning Tulipa 'Hamilton', commonly known as tulips, is primarily focused on deadheading the spent blooms. This should be done shortly after the flowers fade, but leave the foliage in place as it continues to photosynthesize and replenish the bulb for the next season. Once the leaves turn yellow and die back, usually by late spring or early summer, they can be gently removed from the bulb. Pruning is not otherwise required for tulips, as they do not have persistent woody growth that needs shaping.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a tulip (Tulipa 'Hamilton') should be well-draining with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loamy soil with added sand and compost to improve drainage will create an ideal environment for bulb growth and bloom.
RepottingTulips, including Tulipa 'Hamilton', generally do not need to be repotted as they are perennial bulbs. After flowering, once the foliage has yellowed and died back, the bulbs can be lifted, stored in a cool, dry place, and then replanted in autumn.
Humidity & MistingTulips, such as Tulipa 'Hamilton', prefer average humidity levels and do not require any special humidity considerations. They thrive in outdoor conditions where the humidity reflects the natural climate of the area.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Tulipa 'Hamilton' in bright light with cool temperatures indoors.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall; ensure full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Tulipa 'Hamilton', commonly known as the Hamilton tulip, begins its life cycle with a period of dormancy as a bulb underground, usually during the summer when conditions are hotter and drier. In autumn, as temperatures drop, the bulb breaks dormancy and begins to develop roots and shoots, taking advantage of the cooler, wetter conditions. Throughout the winter, the shoot slowly grows upward, eventually emerging from the soil in early spring. The plant then rapidly produces leaves and a stem, leading to the blooming of the characteristic yellow flower of the Hamilton tulip in mid to late spring. After flowering, the plant sets seed and gradually withers, with the foliage dying back to transfer energy back into the bulb for the next cycle. Lastly, the plant re-enters dormancy as the bulb remains underground until the conditions are right for the next growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The Tulip 'Hamilton', a strikingly beautiful variety of tulips, is typically propagated through the division of bulbs. The optimal time for propagating tulips is in the fall, after the foliage has died back and the bulbs have completed their dormancy period. The most popular method of propagation for tulips is bulb division, which involves carefully digging up the mature bulbs from the ground once the foliage has turned yellow and died down. The bulbs naturally produce offsets, which are smaller bulbs growing at the base of the mother bulb. Gardeners should gently separate these offsets from the main bulb, taking care not to damage them. Once separated, the offsets can be planted immediately at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), spaced about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil with ample sun exposure. This straightforward process allows the newly planted bulbs to establish themselves before the winter, leading to a vibrant display of tulips in the following spring.
