Kingsblood Tulip Tulipa 'Kingsblood' (5)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'Kingsblood', commonly known as a tulip, is recognized for its vibrant and showy blooms. This particular variety showcases dazzling red flowers that are lustrous and velvety in texture. Each bloom is cup-shaped with a smoothly pointed tip that gives it an elegant and statuesque appearance. The petals are broad and slightly recurved at the edges, forming a perfect backdrop for the contrasting black and yellow center. The leaves of the 'Kingsblood' tulip are a rich green, and they typically have a lance-like shape, with a bit of a wavy margin and a sleek, glossy finish. The foliage gently clasps the flower stems, creating a pleasing contrast against the intense red of the flowers. This tulip variety is often celebrated for its ability to add a pop of intense color to any garden setting, and its flowers are frequently used in cut-flower arrangements because of their long-lasting and stunning appearance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
King's Blood Tulip, Red Emperor Tulip.
Common names
Tulipa 'Kingsblood'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as "tulip" has parts that are considered to have low toxicity for humans. However, bulb ingestion can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The most toxic part is the bulb, and eating it might also cause dizziness and abdominal pain. It's important to handle tulip bulbs with care, as they can also cause allergic reactions or dermatitis in some individuals.
To pets
For pets, tulips are considered to be toxic. The most toxic part of the plant is the bulb. If a pet ingests any part of a tulip, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and depression. In severe cases, ingestion of the bulb can lead to an increased heart rate and difficulty breathing. It is especially important to keep tulips out of reach of cats and dogs to prevent any accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
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- Ornamental Value: Tulipa 'Kingsblood', commonly known as the King's Blood tulip, is highly prized for its striking, deep red flowers that add a vibrant splash of color to spring gardens.
- Landscape Design: The King's Blood tulip can serve as a focal point in landscape designs, particularly when planted in mass groupings or along borders.
- Pollinator Attraction: These tulips attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of gardens and ecosystems.
- Easy to Grow: The King's Blood tulip is considered easy to cultivate and is suitable for a variety of garden conditions, making it accessible for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Seasonal Interest: With its bright red blooms, this tulip variety provides an eye-catching display in late spring, helping to bridge the gap between early spring bulbs and summer perennials.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tulip 'Kingsblood' petals can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, yielding vibrant colors that can vary depending on the mordant used.
- The strong stems of Tulip 'Kingsblood' make them suitable for use in lightweight plant supports or crafting materials within flower arrangements.
- Tulip 'Kingsblood' bulbs can be used in a practice called "tulip forcing" which tricks the bulbs into blooming out of season, often for commercial flower shows.
- Petal of the Tulip 'Kingsblood' can be used to add a colorful touch to salads or as an edible garnish, considering their non-toxic nature, but always ensure they are free from pesticides.
- The bulbs of Tulip 'Kingsblood' can be used in educational science projects to demonstrate plant growth and development from a bulb to a flowering plant.
- Dried Tulip 'Kingsblood' petals can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes for a natural fragrance and splash of color.
- The distinctive shape and size of Tulip 'Kingsblood' make them ideal subjects for botanical art and photography projects.
- Cultural events sometimes feature Tulip 'Kingsblood' for symbolic or traditional purposes, particularly in regions where tulips hold historical significance.
- Tulip 'Kingsblood' flowers can be used as a natural pH indicator in science experiments, as the color of the petals may change in response to different pH levels.
- When planted in large quantities, Tulip 'Kingsblood' can be used for landscape restoration projects aiming to reintroduce native plant species into an area.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tulip is not typically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion and Love: The vibrant red color of 'Kingsblood' tulips is often associated with strong emotions, representing deep love and passion.
- Regal Splendor and Power: As suggested by its name, 'Kingsblood' carries connotations of royalty and majesty, signifying power and an aristocratic bearing.
- Prosperity and Abundance: In some cultures, tulips are seen as a harbinger of spring and thus symbolize rebirth, prosperity, and abundance.
- Perfect and Deep Love: Because of their perfect shape and bold color, 'Kingsblood' tulips can represent an ideal or deep love that is well-grounded and true.
- Declaration of Love: Gifting a 'Kingsblood' tulip can be a way of making a strong declaration of love, echoing the floral tradition of using red flowers to express profound affection.
WaterTulips, including the 'Kingsblood' variety, require moderate watering during their growth period. After planting the bulbs in the fall, water thoroughly to help establish the roots; however, be cautious of over-watering which can cause bulb rot. Once the tulips start to sprout in the spring, water them with approximately 1 inch of water per week, taking natural rainfall into account. Increase watering if there are extended periods of dry weather. After the tulips have bloomed and begin to die back, gradually reduce watering as the foliage starts to yellow and the plants go dormant.
LightTulips, including 'Kingsblood', thrive best in full sun conditions, meaning they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant them in an area that is exposed to bright and direct light in the morning with some potential for light afternoon shade, especially in regions with hot spring weather, to protect the blooms from heat stress.
TemperatureThe 'Kingsblood' tulip prefers cool to moderate temperatures with a maximum tolerance of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a minimum survival temperature just below freezing during its growth cycle. They thrive when daytime temperatures are around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand a chill, as cold temperatures trigger the dormancy end and help with the development of the blooms.
PruningPruning of the 'Kingsblood' tulip is limited to removing spent flower heads to prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production. After blooming, deadhead the flowers but leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, usually about 6 weeks post-flowering. Pruning is generally performed immediately after the flowering period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Red Tulip prefers a well-drained soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of equal parts loam, sand, and peat is ideal for ensuring good drainage and fertility.
RepottingRed Tulips, being perennial bulbs, don't require frequent repotting. They should be lifted and divided every 3-5 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingRed Tulips thrive in outdoor conditions where humidity is not controlled; they are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions for growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool room.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulip 'Kingsblood' begins its life cycle as a bulb, which remains dormant underground during the summer. Once temperatures cool in the autumn, roots start to develop, and the bulb prepares for growth. In early spring, the bulb sends up shoots and leaves, rapidly growing with the warming temperatures. Following this, the iconic bright red flowers bloom, typically in mid to late spring. After flowering, the plant enters a senescence phase; the leaves yellow and die back as the bulb draws in nutrients for the next season. Finally, the bulb re-enters dormancy, completing the annual cycle, and prepares to repeat the process the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Tulip 'Kingsblood' is by dividing and replanting the bulbs. Typically, this is done in the fall, when the bulbs are dormant. Gardeners will gently dig up the tulip bulbs, taking care not to damage them. The bulbs often naturally produce smaller offset bulbs, known as bulblets, which can be carefully separated from the mother bulb. These bulblets, along with any full-sized bulbs, should be planted about 6-8 inches (approx. 15-20 centimeters) deep and 4-6 inches (approx. 10-15 centimeters) apart in well-drained soil with good exposure to spring sunlight. The new bulbs will take root in the fall, lie dormant during the winter, and then grow and bloom in the spring. It's essential to allow the foliage to die back naturally after blooming, as this helps the bulb store energy for the next season's growth.
