Ice Stick Tulip Tulipa 'Ice Stick' (12)
ABOUT
The Tulipa 'Ice Stick' is a stunning variety of tulip known for its unique and eye-catching blooms. It presents a sleek and sophisticated look with its icy white petals that stand out in any garden setting. The flowers exhibit a classic tulip shape, featuring a cup-like form that elegantly opens to reveal the interior of the blossom. Each petal is edged with a crisp, clear border which further accentuates the clean lines and adds to the icy effect invoked by its name. The petals might also show a subtle hint of another color gracing the base or the margins, providing a captivating visual contrast that draws the eye. The leaves of the 'Ice Stick' tulip are lance-shaped, exuding a lush green color that creates a perfect backdrop to showcase the flowers. These leaves are typically arranged in a basal rosette, hugging the bottom of the stem, and support the visual focus being directed towards the alluring blooms above. As a bulbous perennial, this tulip emerges year after year with the arrival of the appropriate season, bringing its arctic charm to the landscape. While in bloom, the 'Ice Stick' tulip creates a breathtaking display that can work as a standalone spectacle or be combined with other spring-flowering plants for a more diverse and vibrant garden tableau.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Tulip, Ice Stick Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'Ice Stick'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Tulipa 'Ice Stick' is tulip. Tulips contain allergenic lactones and other compounds that can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. The bulb is the most toxic part of the plant. Symptoms of tulip poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac symptoms and convulsions. Handling the bulb may also cause allergic reactions, such as dermatitis, in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The common name for Tulipa 'Ice Stick' is tulip. Tulips can be toxic to pets if ingested, particularly the bulbs. The plant contains compounds like lactones, which are harmful. Symptoms of tulip poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, hypersalivation, and in severe cases, an increase in heart rate and changes in breathing. While the entire plant can be toxic, the bulb is the most dangerous part and can cause more serious symptoms if eaten in quantity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Tulips, including the 'Ice Stick' variety, are popular for their attractive, cup-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors, adding visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: Tulips herald the arrival of spring and provide early seasonal color when many other plants are not yet in bloom.
- Versatility: Tulips can be planted in flower beds, borders, containers, and can also be used for cut flower arrangements.
- Ease of Growing: Tulips are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Wide Range of Colors: The 'Ice Stick' tulip offers a unique ice-white color that can complement a variety of garden designs and color schemes.
- Bulb Multiplier: Tulip bulbs can produce offsets that can be separated and replanted, expanding the garden display over time.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral jewelry - The petals of the tulip can be used to create delicate and colorful earrings, necklaces, and other types of floral jewelry.
- Botanical prints - Tulips like the Ice Stick can be pressed and used to make botanical prints for artwork, stationery, or fabric designs.
- Natural dyes - Their vivid colors can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, papers, and crafts.
- Educational tools - Tulips can be dissected to teach students about plant biology and reproductive systems.
- Garden markers - Dried tulip stems can be painted or coated to make creative and natural-looking garden markers.
- Bath additives - Tulip petals can be included in homemade bath bombs for their color and texture.
- Floral confetti - Dried and crushed petals of the tulip can serve as a biodegradable confetti for celebrations.
- Culinary decoration - Although not widely known for its edibility, tulip petals can sometimes be used as a garnish for their aesthetic appeal on special culinary dishes.
- Plantable gifts - Tulip bulbs can be gifted with instructions on how to plant them, combining beauty with the experience of growing them.
- Photography subject - Tulips are popular photography subjects for practicing macro photography techniques and color composition.
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 are often associated with perfect love, and the 'Ice Stick' variety with its unique appearance could emphasize the uniqueness of love.
- Rebirth: As spring-blooming flowers, tulips, including 'Ice Stick', symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, making them perfect for celebrations of renewal.
- Royalty: Tulips have a regal presence, and their association with historical tulip mania lends them a royal symbolism, representing wealth and status.
- Fame: The 'Ice Stick' tulip, with its striking looks, could be linked with fame and the idea of standing out in a crowd.
- Eternal Life: Tulips can also represent eternal life, stemming from their perennial nature and the way they return each year.
WaterFor the Tulip 'Ice Stick', it is important to water the plant thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch during the growth phase. Typically, this means watering once every week, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Apply enough water to soak the soil to a depth of approximately 6 inches, which may be around 0.5 to 1 gallon for a standard garden bed. After flowering and once the leaves yellow, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy. Over-watering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure the soil provides proper drainage.
LightTulip 'Ice Stick' thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. The best spot for this tulip is a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in areas with very hot spring weather, light afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from wilting.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for the Tulip 'Ice Stick' during the growing season is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and are hardy in colder climates, but they should be protected from extreme heat above 70 degrees Fahrenheit during their growing season.
PruningPruning Tulip 'Ice Stick' involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage bulb regeneration for the following season. Leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, which is usually a few weeks after blooming. Prune annually just after the blooming period ends, typically in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTulips thrive in a well-draining soil mix that's rich in organic matter. Adding compost or aged manure to sandy loam soil is ideal for these bulbs. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingTulips, generally grown from bulbs, do not require repotting as they are usually planted annually. After the foliage has died back, dig up the bulbs, store them in a cool, dry place, and replant in the fall.
Humidity & MistingTulips do not require high humidity and are quite tolerant of the spring outdoor conditions. They grow best with natural airflow and no special humidity considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, cool temp, plant in fertile, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun, cool climate, water when dry.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa 'Ice Stick', commonly known as Ice Stick Tulip, begins its life cycle when a bulb is planted in the fall, ideally before the first frost. The bulb remains dormant in the soil over the winter, using the cold period as a cue for vernalization, which is necessary for the development of the flowering stem. As temperatures rise in the spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sprouts, producing leaves and a central flower stem. The Ice Stick Tulip blooms in early to mid-spring, displaying its characteristic flower, which after pollination can produce seeds. Once flowering is finished, the plant's foliage will begin to yellow and die back as the bulb enters a period of dormancy through the summer months. The now mature bulb will rest until the next fall, when it can be divided if necessary, and the cycle will begin anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Autumn
The most popular method of propagation for the Tulipa 'Ice Stick', commonly known as the Ice Stick tulip, is through bulb division. This is typically done in the fall, after the foliage has died back and the bulb has gone dormant. Gardeners dig up the bulbs, gently separate any small offset bulbs that have formed around the base of the main bulb during the growing season, and replant these offsets. When separating the bulbs, it's essential to ensure that each offset has some root tissue attached to support its growth. These offsets should be planted about 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters) apart and at a depth three times the height of the bulb to ensure adequate root growth and flowering the following season.
