Tulip Tulipa humilis 'Magenta Queen' (15)
ABOUT
The 'Magenta Queen' tulip is a stunning plant notable for its vibrant floral display. This tulip variety features a bold magenta color with blooms that are eye-catching and deeply saturated in hue. The flowers have a classic tulip shape, with a cup-like form that is both graceful and elegant. Each flower is comprised of six petals that often appear to have a slight shimmer or glossiness to their texture, accentuating their vivid coloration. The leaves of the 'Magenta Queen' are just as characteristic of tulips, being long and slender with a rich green color that nicely contrasts the bright magenta of its blooms. These leaves may also have a slightly wavy or undulating edge, adding to the visual interest of the plant. The foliage grows in a basal rosette at the base of the flower, serving as an attractive backdrop to the star of the show, the tulip flowers themselves. At the center of the open blooms, the floral reproductive parts, such as stamens and pistil, are typically visible, offering a hint of yellow coloring which adds intricacy to the visual presentation of the flower. Overall, the 'Magenta Queen' tulip produces a striking and colorful addition to any garden or floral arrangement, and its rich magenta blossoms are a beloved sign of the blooming season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Magenta Queen Tulip, Humilis Tulip
Common names
Tulipa humilis 'Magenta Queen'
ToxicityTo humans
While the plant commonly known as "tulip" is not generally considered highly toxic to humans, it can cause irritation if ingested. The bulb is the most poisonous part. Consuming parts of the tulip can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some individuals, handling the bulbs can also result in allergic skin reactions or dermatitis. It is advisable to avoid ingesting any parts of the tulip plant and to wear gloves when handling the bulbs to prevent skin irritation.
To pets
Tulips are toxic to pets. Symptoms of poisoning in pets, including cats and dogs, after ingesting any part of the tulip can include gastrointestinal upset, drooling, loss of appetite, and cardiac abnormalities. The bulb of the tulip contains the highest concentration of allergenic lactones and other compounds that can be harmful. Pets may experience central nervous system depression and can also suffer from convulsions and increased heart rate. If a pet ingests any part of a tulip, it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Magenta
Height
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Spread
3 inches (7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Magenta Queen' tulip is known for its vibrant magenta blooms, adding a burst of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Spring Blooming: It is an early spring bloomer, which helps fill a gap in gardens after winter when little else may be flowering.
- Compact Size: With its smaller stature, it is well-suited for rock gardens, borders, and container gardening, making it versatile for different garden designs.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers can attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and benefiting other plants in the vicinity.
- Low Maintenance: Tulips, including 'Magenta Queen', generally require minimal care once planted, making them a good choice for both new and experienced gardeners.
- Naturalizing: They are capable of naturalizing, meaning they can spread and come back year after year under the right conditions.
- Symbolism: Tulips are often associated with perfect love and fame, which can make them an ideal choice for thematic gardens or as a gift.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tulipa humilis 'Magenta Queen' can be used in crafts, such as pressing the petals for creating natural designs on homemade paper or cards.
- The bulbs can be used in a teaching setting to help children understand plant growth cycles and bulb propagation.
- The vibrant colours of the petals make them a wonderful dye source for natural fabrics or yarns when seeking a magenta hue.
- Petals of the 'Magenta Queen' can be used in potpourri blends to add colour and a slightly floral scent to the mixture.
- This tulip variety can be used in photography projects to provide a vivid splash of colour against various backdrops or to study the intricacies of flower structures.
- The plant can serve as a model in botanical illustration classes, giving students a chance to practice their skills on its unique form and colour.
- The leaves can be used as natural confetti for events and celebrations, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to paper or plastic.
- In a culinary context, the petals may be used as an edible garnish for desserts, adding a touch of elegance and colour.
- The sturdy stems can be incorporated into lightweight plant-support structures to provide a hidden helping hand to other more fragile garden plants.
- Flower arrangers might use dried seed pods of Tulipa humilis 'Magenta Queen' as a unique, textural element in dried floral arrangements or wreaths.
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: The 'Magenta Queen' tulip, along with other tulips, is often associated with perfect, deep, and enduring love due to its lush form and vibrant colors, which evoke feelings of passion and attachment.
- Elegance and Grace: The elegant shape and poise of the 'Magenta Queen' tulip represent sophistication and refined beauty, making it a symbol of grace and elegance.
- Renewal and Rebirth: Tulips in general, including the 'Magenta Queen', are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, hence they symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, reflecting the cycle of life.
WaterThe Dwarf Tulip 'Magenta Queen' should be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch. It's important not to overwater, as tulips are prone to rot in overly moist conditions. During the growing season, water the plant every few days depending on weather conditions, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. If you're using a garden watering can or hose, ensure that the water seeps down to reach the bulbs. It's best to water early in the morning to allow excess moisture on the foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of disease.
LightDwarf Tulip 'Magenta Queen' thrives in full sunlight. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, so placing it in a south-facing spot is ideal. However, in areas with very hot climates, some afternoon shade can help to protect the tulips from the intensity of late-day sun.
TemperatureThe Dwarf Tulip 'Magenta Queen' prefers cooler temperatures for optimal growth, with ideal temperatures ranging between 55°F and 65°F. It can survive temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 70°F. During its dormant period in summer, the bulb can survive higher temperatures but should not be exposed to prolonged heat above these limits.
PruningPruning of the Dwarf Tulip 'Magenta Queen' mainly involves deadheading the spent flowers after they fade to encourage the plants to store energy for the next season rather than producing seeds. Once the foliage has yellowed and died back, typically a few weeks after flowering, it should be pruned down to ground level. This cleaning up is typically done annually in late spring or early summer, after the plant has finished its yearly growth cycle.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Persian Tulip requires well-draining soil mixed with sand or gravel to aid drainage. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix comprising equal parts of potting soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal to provide the drainage and aeration the bulbs need.
RepottingPersian Tulip bulbs should be lifted and divided every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding. They do not require annual repotting; instead, repot after the foliage dies back and the bulbs have gone dormant.
Humidity & MistingPersian Tulips prefer a dry resting period, especially during summer dormancy. They can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels during their growing season but overwinter them in a dry environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and plant in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in fall, full sun to partial shade, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa humilis 'Magenta Queen,' commonly known as 'Magenta Queen' tulip, begins its life cycle with a dormant bulb stage, typically in the late summer or fall. The bulb then enters a growth phase, rooted in well-drained soil, where it absorbs nutrients and begins to sprout in response to cooling temperatures. During early spring, it breaks dormancy, and shoots emerge from the soil, with leaves and a stem developing as the weather warms. Afterward, the 'Magenta Queen' tulip flowers, showing off its magenta-hued blossoms, which attracts pollinators and completes the reproductive stage. Following blooming, the plant enters a senescence phase, where the above-ground parts die back and the plant retreats into the bulb to conserve energy for the next season. The cycle repeats annually with the bulb lying dormant through the summer, ready to restart its growth with the next period of cooler temperatures.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for Tulipa humilis 'Magenta Queen', commonly known as 'Magenta Queen' tulip, is through bulb division. This is ideally done in the fall, when the bulbs are dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the tulip bulbs after the foliage has died back and gently separate any bulblets from the mother bulb. These bulblets are miniatures of the parent bulb and can be replanted immediately. Choose a well-draining location with full sun exposure and plant the bulblets about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart, and at a depth of around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm). Water them lightly to settle the soil and initiate root growth. Over the next season, these bulblets will develop into mature bulbs and produce their own blooms, perpetuating the cycle of the 'Magenta Queen' tulip.
