Tulip Little Princess Tulipa 'Little Princess' (15)
ABOUT
The Tulipa 'Little Princess', commonly known as the Little Princess tulip, is a charming flowering plant that typically blooms in the spring. It carries a brightly-hued, cup-shaped flower often described as being a warm, tangerine-orange color, which is accentuated with a striking contrast of a maroon to almost black base. Inside the flower, the color may be more intense with a yellow center that adds to the eye-catching appeal of this tulip variety. The leaves are narrow, elongated, and a rich green color, providing a lush backdrop for the vibrant blooms. The foliage sometimes has a glaucous or waxy coating which contributes to its overall texture. The stems are sturdy and upright, ensuring the flowers are prominently displayed. The Little Princess tulip has a bold and cheerful appearance that is bound to stand out in any garden space, adding a splash of color in the season it blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Little Princess Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'Little Princess'
ToxicityTo humans
Tulips, including the Tulipa 'Little Princess', contain compounds that can be toxic if ingested. The plant parts, especially the bulbs, contain allergenic lactones and other substances like glycosides which can pose a risk if consumed. Symptoms of tulip poisoning in humans can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth and throat. In severe cases, it could potentially lead to more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a fast heart rate, or an allergic reaction.
To pets
For pets, particularly cats and dogs, tulips are also toxic. The tulip plant, like with humans, has the highest concentration of toxic compounds in the bulbs. If pets consume any part of a tulip, symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, depression, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and in extreme cases, an increase in heart rate and changes in breathing. It is important to keep tulip bulbs and plants out of reach of pets to prevent any accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Spring Blooming: Tulipa 'Little Princess', commonly known as Little Princess Tulip, provides vibrant color early in the spring season.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of tulip is known for being easy to cultivate in a range of garden settings.
- Compact Size: With a smaller growth habit, Little Princess Tulips are suitable for rock gardens, borders, and containers.
- Vibrant Colors: Their bright orange flowers with a yellow base add a striking contrast to the spring garden palette.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Educational Tool: Tulip 'Little Princess' can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant growth, reproduction, and the life cycle of bulbs.
- Photography Subject: With their vibrant colors and unique shape, these tulips can serve as an excellent subject for botanical photography and art classes.
- Color Dye: The petals of the 'Little Princess' tulip can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics, yarns, or even Easter eggs.
- Crafting Material: Dried tulip petals and bulbs can be incorporated into craft projects, like making homemade paper or adding to potpourri mixes.
- Garden Design: These tulips can be used in color-themed garden designs, where their bright orange hue can add contrast or complement other plants.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried tulip petals can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper confetti at celebrations.
- Culinary Decoration: Edible varieties of tulip petals can be used to add a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- Floral Perfume: The scent from the 'Little Princess' tulip can be captured in homemade perfumes or scented oils.
- Creative Writing Prompt: The distinct appearance of the tulip can inspire poetry, stories, or art, serving as a muse for creative individuals.
- Marker of Seasons: Planting 'Little Princess' tulips can serve as a natural reminder of the transition into spring, as they are one of the early flowers to bloom.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiTulips are not specifically identified in traditional Feng Shui practices, but in general, flowers can be used to promote positive energy and beautify the environment. They could symbolize the coming of spring and renewal, which might be utilized in the east area of a home or garden to encourage health and family harmony according to the Bagua map.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityTulips are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Traditionally, tulips are a declaration of love, and the Tulipa 'Little Princess' is no exception, symbolizing a pure and perfect love.
- Rebirth: Tulips bloom in the spring, which makes them a representation of rebirth and new beginnings.
- Royalty: The name 'Little Princess' associates this tulip with nobility and regal splendor.
- Happiness: The bright colors and hearty bloom of the 'Little Princess' tulip symbolize cheerfulness and joy.
WaterTulip 'Little Princess' should be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch. Over the spring growing season, this might be once every week, but always check the soil moisture first. Each watering should be deep enough to soak the soil, which may mean using around 1 to 2 gallons depending on the size and type of soil in your garden or container. It is critical to reduce watering after the tulips have bloomed and the foliage begins to yellow, which signifies the onset of dormancy.
LightTulip 'Little Princess' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, place them in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sunlight is beneficial, especially if the climate is on the warmer side, as it helps to protect the tulips from the intense afternoon heat.
TemperatureTulip 'Little Princess' prefers a cool to mild climate with temperatures ranging ideally from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can typically withstand brief periods of colder weather, down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and are winter hardy in cooler climates. Tulips require a period of winter chilling to bloom, which means they need several weeks of temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit to initiate flowering.
PruningPruning Tulip 'Little Princess' involves deadheading the spent flowers after they fade to redirect energy to the bulb rather than seed production. Remove the flower heads but leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and withers, usually by late spring or early summer; this is crucial as the foliage is replenishing the bulb for next year’s bloom. Pruning does not usually need to be done more than once per season after flowering.
CleaningNot needed
SoilTulip 'Little Princess' thrives in well-draining, sandy loam with a pH of 6 to 7. The best soil mix includes equal parts garden soil, compost, and gritty material like perlite or coarse sand to ensure drainage.
RepottingTulips, including 'Little Princess', are grown from bulbs and do not require repotting. Instead, they should be planted annually in the fall for spring blooms.
Humidity & MistingTulip 'Little Princess' prefers outdoor conditions and does not require specific humidity levels. It is tolerant of the average outdoor humidity in its growing season.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, cool temperature, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa 'Little Princess', commonly known as the Little Princess tulip, begins its life as a bulb planted in the fall, typically 4-6 inches deep in well-draining soil. During winter, the cold temperatures stimulate vernalization, a process necessary for the bulb to break dormancy. Come spring, the bulb sprouts and the plant begins to grow, producing stems, leaves, and then flowering in mid to late spring with distinctive cup-shaped, vibrant orange flowers with a purple center. After blooming, the flowers eventually wither, and the plant goes into a period of photosynthesis to replenish the bulb's energy reserves. In early summer, the foliage yellows and dies back as the plant enters dormancy, retreating into the bulb form to survive through the heat of the summer and subsequent fall. The cycle repeats annually, with the bulb lying dormant until the following spring when temperatures rise again.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulipa 'Little Princess', commonly known as tulip, is typically propagated through division of its bulbs. The ideal time for this method is in the late summer to autumn, after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. To propagate, you should carefully lift the clump of bulbs from the ground using a trowel or garden fork, taking care not to damage the bulbs. Gently separate the smaller, offset bulbs from the main bulb. These offsets are the plant's natural way of cloning itself. Once separated, the bulbs can be immediately replanted about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb. This allows the offsets to develop into mature, flowering plants over the course of the next growing season.
