Tulip Tulipa 'Lilyfire' (6)
ABOUT
The Tulipa 'Lilyfire' is a striking variety of tulip known for its distinctive blossom appearance. The flowers of the 'Lilyfire' tulip feature a bold, fiery red hue that can range from a deeper crimson to a bright scarlet. The petals often display a slightly ruffled or wavy edge, giving the flowers a dynamic, flame-like quality that resembles the flickering of fire. This texture contrasts beautifully with the glossy, smooth surface of the petals, which may catch the light and appear luminous or subtly reflective. The coloration is sometimes accented with darker red to maroon streaks or brushstrokes that emphasize the flame-like nature of the blooms, creating a sense of movement even when the flowers are still. Some blossoms can show a variable gradient of color, with the intensity of the red deepening towards the petal tips. The base of the petals inside the flower often has a darker or blackened area, which acts as a dramatic backdrop to the pollen-covered anthers. The foliage of the Tulipa 'Lilyfire' is a fresh, vibrant green, which further brings out the red of the flowers. The leaves are typically lance-shaped with smooth edges and may have a slight glaucous or waxy coating, giving them a tasteful sheen that complements the overall aesthetic of the plant. The 'Lilyfire' tulip’s flowers sit atop sturdy stems that emerge from amongst the foliage, presenting the blooms in an upright, proud manner likely to stand out in any garden setting. The plant produces a singular, showy flower per stem, contributing to its focused visual impact. Overall, the 'Lilyfire' tulip is celebrated for its opulent, red blossoms and is commonly planted for its ability to add a bold statement to spring gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Lilyflowering Tulip, Lily-Flowered Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'Lilyfire'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Tulip 'Lilyfire' is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion of any part of the Tulip plant, particularly the bulb, can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with the bulb may also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. While serious complications are rare, it is advisable to avoid ingesting parts of the Tulip and to handle the bulbs with care.
To pets
Tulip 'Lilyfire' is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingestion of any part of the Tulip, especially the bulb, can lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions, and cardiac abnormalities. If you suspect your pet has ingested Tulip bulbs, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible to manage the symptoms effectively.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot 4 inches (40 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Tulipa 'Lilyfire', commonly known as the Lily-Flowering Tulip, is renowned for its vibrant red blooms that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Pollinator Attraction: The bright flowers of the Lily-Flowering Tulip attract bees and other pollinators, benefiting the garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Color: This tulip variety provides intense color in spring, offering a striking contrast against the green foliage and other spring blooms.
- Easy to Grow: Lily-Flowering Tulips are user-friendly for gardeners, as they are low-maintenance and can be easily grown in a variety of soil types.
- Good for Cut Flowers: The Lily-Flowering Tulip's strong stems and distinctive shape make the blooms excellent for cut flower arrangements.
- Breeding and Hybridization: Lily-Flowering Tulips can be used for breeding, contributing to the development of new variations and hybrids with unique qualities.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tulips, such as 'Lilyfire,' can be used for natural dye as both petals and bulbs can produce different vibrant colors.
- The petals of Tulips can be used to create eco-friendly confetti for celebrations due to their biodegradability and vivid colors.
- Tulip petals can serve as decorative edible elements in gourmet dishes, adding a splash of color and a mild flavor.
- They can be pressed and used in botanical art or herbarium collections for educational or artistic purposes.
- Tulip bulbs can be used as a replacement for onions in some recipes during times of scarcity, although care must be taken to use the right type.
- The intact flower shape of Tulips may be crystallized or candied for decorative dessert toppings.
- Dried Tulip petals can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixtures to add natural fragrance and color.
- In photography, Tulips can be the subject of macro photography to create stunning visuals showcasing their intricate patterns and colors.
- Tulips can be used in floral arrangements to demonstrate principles of color theory and design in educational workshops.
- Used Tulip stems and non-toxic parts can be composted to enrich soil as they break down and recycle nutrients.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tulip is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Tulips are often associated with deep love or passion, and red tulips, in particular, symbolize true love.
- Perfect Lover: Due to its lush and elegant appearance, the tulip can represent the idea of a perfect lover or the encompassment of love's ideal.
- Renewal: As a herald of spring, tulips signify rebirth and the renewal of nature.
- Fame: The tulip's dramatic bloom can represent the aspiration and attainment of fame or perfection.
- Charity: In some cultural interpretations, tulips reflect the concept of giving and charitable feelings.
- Forgiveness: A tulip bouquet could be sent as a gesture of forgiveness, or to extend an apology.
WaterTulip 'Lilyfire' requires moderate watering, especially during its active growth in the spring. Aim to water these tulips once a week with about a gallon of water per square yard, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. During the dormant season, after the leaves yellow and die back, watering can be reduced significantly to prevent bulb rot. These tulips may need more frequent watering during periods of dry weather. It's important to provide water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightTulip 'Lilyfire' thrives best in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They are best suited for a spot that gets morning sunlight and some partial shade in the afternoon to protect them from the intense heat. These tulips can also grow in areas with partial sun, but they may not flower as prolifically.
TemperatureTulips 'Lilyfire' prefer cool to moderate temperatures, with ideal growing conditions between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and should be planted in the fall to ensure they experience the cold period required to bloom. Extreme heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to the tulips' health.
PruningPruning Tulip 'Lilyfire' is mostly about deadheading spent flowers to encourage the plant to direct energy into bulb growth instead of seed production. After blooming, cut back the flower stems but leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and dies back naturally. Pruning is only necessary once the blooming period is over, typically in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTulips prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix with equal parts of loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure works best to provide the necessary nutrients and drainage capacity.
RepottingTulips, which are grown from bulbs, do not require frequent repotting. They should be planted or replanted in the ground every autumn as the bulbs need a chilling period to bloom well in the spring.
Humidity & MistingTulips do well in average outdoor humidity conditions. They do not require high humidity and can thrive in the range that is typical for temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place tulip bulbs in cool, bright area; ensure pot has good drainage.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Tulip 'Lilyfire' begins as a bulb that is planted in fall before the frost sets in. During the winter, the bulb undergoes a period of dormancy which is necessary for the development of the flower. In early to mid-spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, sending up shoots and leaves, followed by the bud that will become the iconic tulip flower. The tulip blooms for a period of 1-2 weeks, displaying its bright, fiery red-colored flowers, typically with a fine white edge. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence; the leaves yellow and die back as the bulb draws back nutrients to prepare for the next cycle. The bulb then remains dormant throughout the summer until the cycle restarts with the cooler temperatures of autumn.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: Tulip 'Lilyfire', commonly known as Tulip, is typically propagated through bulb division, which is the most popular method for this type of plant. Propagation time for tulips usually falls in the fall, as the bulbs need a period of cold dormancy to bloom in the spring. To propagate by division, you would gently lift the clusters of bulbs from the ground after the foliage has yellowed and died back, which typically happens in late summer or early fall. Separate the bulbs by detaching the smaller offset bulbs from the base of the mother bulb. These offsets are then planted about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart and 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 centimeters) deep, where they will grow into new plants the following year. Proper spacing and depth are essential to ensure adequate room for root and foliage development.
