Lady Jane Tulip Tulipa 'Lady Jane' (15)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'Lady Jane' is an elegant flowering plant commonly known as the Lady Jane tulip. It boasts a distinctive flower shape, with petals that have a striking color contrast. The base of the petals is typically adorned with a rich, saturated color which gradually lightens to a beautiful, delicate hue towards the edges, often resembling a two-toned effect. The flowers themselves are cup-shaped when closed and can open up to a star-like form on sunny days, revealing a lovely interior. The petals are sleek and pointed, contributing to the plant's sophisticated silhouette. The foliage of Tulipa 'Lady Jane' is slender and long, with leaves that have a gray-green color, providing a muted backdrop which helps to accentuate the bright, vivid colors of the flower. The leaves are typically lance-shaped, with a smooth texture, and grow in a straight or slightly curved manner, arising from the base of the plant. Tulipa 'Lady Jane' is a spring bloomer, and this is when the plant shows its full glory with its remarkable flowers standing tall and erect, swaying gently in the spring breeze. The blossoms, characterized by their unique coloration and graceful form, make this particular tulip a well-loved choice for gardens and floral displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Lady Jane Tulip, Candlestick Tulip, Lady Tulip
Common names
Tulipa clusiana 'Lady Jane'
ToxicityTo humans
The Lady Jane Tulip is not considered highly toxic to humans, but like other tulips, it contains compounds that can cause irritation. If ingested, parts of the plant, particularly the bulbs, can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin contact, especially with the bulb, can cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. It's advisable to handle tulips with care to avoid potential skin irritation, and ingestion, particularly of the bulbs, should be avoided to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
The Lady Jane Tulip is toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats. The toxic principle in tulips is concentrated in the bulbs, which can cause symptoms if ingested. Possible symptoms of tulip poisoning in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and lethargy. In severe cases, ingesting a large amount might lead to more serious conditions such as an increase in heart rate and changes in respiration. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a tulip plant, seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
6 inches [15 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Tulipa 'Lady Jane' invites bees and butterflies to the garden, aiding in pollination.
- Easy to Grow: This tulip variety is low maintenance and easy to cultivate in a range of garden settings.
- Spring Color: The plant provides early spring blooms, introducing vibrant colors after the winter season.
- Landscaping: Tulipa 'Lady Jane' is ideal for borders, containers, and beds, offering versatility in garden design.
- Cut Flowers: The blossoms make excellent cut flowers, adding beauty to indoor arrangements.
- Naturalizing: Over time, this tulip can spread and naturalize in the garden, creating larger displays each spring.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has a degree of tolerance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: Tulipa 'Lady Jane' is capable of withstanding colder climates, making it suitable for many temperate regions.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides a distinct and striking addition to any garden due to its unique flower shape and coloration.
- Animal Resistant: Often resistant to deer and rabbits, which can help to maintain the aesthetic beauty of a garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tulipa 'Lady Jane' petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a soft pink to light purple hue depending on the mordant used.
- The bulbs can be crushed and mixed into potpourri for a subtle floral scent, contributing both fragrance and color.
- The strong stems of the plant can be incorporated into homemade paper, adding texture and floral elements to the finished product.
- Dried Tulipa 'Lady Jane' flowers can be added to homemade candles for decoration and a faint natural fragrance when burned.
- When in bloom, tulips can be used as a natural method to determine soil pH; acidic soil will often result in red-toned petals, while alkaline soil will cause blue-toned petals.
- The flower can be used in photography as a subject for practicing macro photography techniques, due to its intricate patterns and vibrant colors.
- Tulipa 'Lady Jane' can be planted in chicken coop areas as they are non-toxic to chickens, adding beauty to the environment while posing no risk to the birds.
- The petals are usable as confetti for outdoor celebrations, where they can biodegrade without harming the environment.
- Pressed Tulipa 'Lady Jane' flowers can be used in scrapbooking or card making for ornamental purposes, adding a three-dimensional element to the crafts.
- They can be used as a natural pest repellent in gardens; some gardeners believe that certain pests are deterred by the presence of tulips.
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 being a declaration of love. 'Lady Jane' Tulip, with its graceful appearance, might symbolize an elegant and refined type of love.
- Rebirth: As a herald of spring, tulips signify rebirth, renewal, and the coming of new beginnings, which can relate to various aspects of life, from personal growth to new ventures.
- Charity: In the Victorian language of flowers, giving a tulip was a way of asking for forgiveness, showing charity and understanding.
- Eternal Life: In some cultures, tulips, especially the bulb, represent eternal life because they die back and return to bloom year after year.
- Royalty: The 'Lady Jane' Tulip, with its classy name and bearing, may suggest regal presence and a touch of nobility.
WaterLady Tulip plants require consistent moisture during the spring growth period, but be cautious not to overwater. It's best to water these bulbs deeply and thoroughly once a week if there is no rain, ensuring that the soil becomes saturated but not waterlogged. Once the leaves have died back after flowering, reduce watering as the bulbs enter dormancy. In general, aim for about 1 gallon of water per square foot per week during the active growth period.
LightLady Tulips thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They should be planted in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Too much shade can result in leggy plants that don't flower well.
TemperatureLady Tulips require a period of cold dormancy, so winter temperatures are essential for the development of the bulbs. They can typically survive winter temperatures as low as 20°F but prefer the springtime growing temperature to be between 60°F and 70°F. It's important that the temperature doesn't exceed 70°F for extended periods during the flowering phase as this can shorten the bloom time.
PruningPruning of Lady Tulips, also known as deadheading, is beneficial for aesthetic reasons and to prevent the plant from using energy to set seeds. It's best to remove spent flowers soon after they fade but leave the foliage in place until it has died back naturally, as the leaves continue to photosynthesize and provide energy for the next season's growth. Pruning is usually only necessary immediately after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLady Jane Tulips thrive in well-draining soil mixed with compost or organic matter. The ideal pH for this tulip variety is between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil mix of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part organic material like compost would provide the nutrients and drainage necessary for healthy growth.
RepottingLady Jane Tulips, being perennial bulbs, do not require frequent repotting. They should be lifted and divided every 3-5 years to maintain vigor, ideally repotting after the foliage has died back post-flowering.
Humidity & MistingLady Jane Tulips prefer moderate humidity but are adaptable to a wide range. Since they are habitually outdoor plants, they will generally be comfortable in the natural humidity present in their growing environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in fall, full sun to partial shade, cool spot.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Tulipa 'Lady Jane', commonly known as Lady Jane tulip, begins with seed germination, typically in a cool, dark environment that simulates winter conditions. After germination, the seedling grows into a bulb, which is an underground storage organ that contains the nutrients necessary for the plant's growth. The bulb enters a period of dormancy, during which it survives adverse conditions such as winter. Following dormancy, in spring, the bulb sends up a shoot that develops into a stem and leaves, and the plant undergoes vegetative growth. The Lady Jane tulip then blooms, producing distinctive pink and white flowers that attract pollinators. Once the flowering phase is complete, the plant sets seeds, disperses them if pollinated successfully, and re-enters dormancy, with the bulb lying in wait to begin the cycle anew in the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulipa 'Lady Jane', commonly known as Lady Jane tulip, is often propagated through the division of its bulbs. The ideal time for this method is in the late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back, indicating the bulb is dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate any bulblets—the small bulbs that form on the base of the mother bulb. These bulblets are the future plants; they should be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in well-draining soil. Ensure they are spaced appropriately, about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart, to allow for adequate growth. Given the right conditions, the bulbs will root and establish themselves, emerging as new plants in the following spring.
