Marilyn Tulip Tulipa 'Marilyn' (6)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'Marilyn' is a striking variety of tulip known for its elegant and distinctive appearance. The petals of this tulip are particularly eye-catching, with their pointed tips and a color palette that includes a blend of creamy white shades contrasted by brushstrokes of red or magenta along the edges, resembling flames licking the petal edges. The contrast is vivid and makes this tulip stand out in any setting. The plant boasts a singular flower per stem, and the blossoms are cup-shaped when fully open, offering a showy display. The leaves of the Tulipa 'Marilyn' are a rich green color and typically have a lance-like shape with a smooth and sometimes waxy texture, forming a suitable backdrop that accentuates the beauty of the blossoms. The overall look of this tulip is one of dramatic flair and elegance, drawing the eye of garden visitors and making it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Marilyn Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'Marilyn'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Tulip is generally considered to have low toxicity to humans. However, ingesting any part of the Tulip can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Contact with the bulb, in particular, may also cause irritation to the skin or eyes in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The plant commonly known as Tulip can be toxic to pets if ingested. The Tulip, especially its bulbs, contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation, leading to symptoms such as drooling, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In severe cases, this can lead to dehydration, which may require veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Tulipa 'Marilyn', commonly known as the Marilyn Tulip, has striking flower shapes and color patterns that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Landscape Design Versatility: Marilyn Tulips can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, beds, and as cut flowers, due to their tall stems and attractive blossoms.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming in the spring, they provide a splash of color after the winter months, marking the change of seasons.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers can attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, which is beneficial for pollination of plants and the health of the local ecosystem.
- Ease of Care: Once established, Marilyn Tulips require minimal maintenance, making them a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Bulb Propagation: Tulip bulbs can be easily divided and shared, helping gardeners to propagate new plants and expand their garden or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: Tulip Marilyn's distinctive colors make it a popular choice for photographers seeking to capture the beauty and intricacies of plants.
- Art Inspirations: Artists may use the unique pattern and structure of the Tulip Marilyn as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other art forms.
- Educational Tool: Botany teachers can use Tulip Marilyn to demonstrate plant growth, hybridization, and the anatomy of a typical monocotyledonous flower.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of Tulip Marilyn can be used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations and events.
- Candle Making: Petals from Tulip Marilyn can be incorporated into homemade candles for decoration or to achieve a subtle floral scent when burned.
- Fashion Design: The bright color and shape of Tulip Marilyn can inspire fashion designers to create floral-themed textiles and patterns.
- Bookmarks: Dried Tulip Marilyn petals can be laminated within clear sheets to create lovely floral bookmarks.
- Gourmet Cuisine: Edible varieties of tulips, including Tulip Marilyn if confirmed edible, can be candied or used as a delicate garnish for high-end dishes.
- Floral Language: In the Victorian language of flowers, giving a Tulip Marilyn might signify a declaration of love or deep appreciation depending on its color and context.
- Creative Planters: Tulip Marilyn bulbs can be planted in unexpected containers like teacups, old boots, or repurposed items for a quirky garden accent.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tulip is not commonly referenced in traditional Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perfect Love: Tulips in general symbolize perfect love. The 'Marilyn' tulip, with its elegant form and color, also embodies this attribute, representing deep, unconditional love.
- Fame: The 'Marilyn' tulip can signify fame due to its striking appearance and the association of its name with Marilyn Monroe, one of the most famous icons in history.
- Prosperity: In some traditions, tulips are associated with abundance and prosperity. The 'Marilyn' tulip's lush and vibrant petals can be seen as a symbol of wealth and success.
- Declaration of Love: Giving a tulip, like the 'Marilyn', is often a way to declare one's love. The act of presenting this tulip can be seen as a bold and passionate gesture.
- Rebirth: The 'Marilyn' tulip, as with many spring flowers, is believed to represent rebirth and renewal. This is because tulips are among the first flowers to bloom in the spring.
- Variability: The 'Marilyn' tulip, with its unique pattern of color, can sometimes symbolize variability or change, reflecting the idea that beauty comes in many forms and can change over time.
WaterMarilyn Tulips should be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch. Initially, after planting the bulbs in the fall, give them a good soak with about 1 gallon of water per square foot to encourage root development. Once they start growing in spring, water them with about half a gallon per square foot every week, unless there is significant rainfall. During active growth, ensure consistent moisture, especially when the buds appear and during flowering. After blooming has finished and the leaves start to yellow, gradually reduce watering to allow the foliage to die back naturally.
LightMarilyn Tulips thrive best in full sunlight, where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant them in a spot that is free from shadows cast by taller plants or structures to ensure they can soak up as much light as possible. The ideal location is in a south-facing garden or landscape area that receives unfiltered daylight throughout the day.
TemperatureMarilyn Tulips prefer cooler climates and can survive winter temperatures down to about 14 degrees Fahrenheit, but they require a period of cold dormancy to bloom. The ideal temperature for these tulips during the growing season ranges from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand brief periods of frost and temperatures up to around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but extended heat can impede their growth and flowering.
PruningPruning Marilyn Tulips is unnecessary during the blooming period, but once the flowers have faded, deadhead the blooms to prevent seed formation. This helps direct the plant's energy back into the bulb for next year's growth. It's crucial not to cut the foliage until it has turned yellow and died back naturally, typically several weeks after flowering, as the leaves are replenishing nutrients to the bulb for the next season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilMarilyn Tulip thrives in well-drained, sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0. Mix equal parts of sand, loam, and compost for optimal growth conditions.
RepottingMarilyn Tulips, being perennial bulbs, do not require repotting. Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring blooms; after flowering, bulbs can be lifted and stored until next planting season.
Humidity & MistingMarilyn Tulips prefer outdoor conditions with natural humidity levels; they do not require specific humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant bulbs in pots with drainage; place in cool, sunny spot.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in autumn, full to partial sun, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa 'Marilyn', commonly known as the Marilyn Tulip, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is typically planted in the fall before the ground freezes. During this initial stage, the bulb undergoes root development in preparation for spring growth. As the soil warms in spring, the bulb sends up a shoot that develops into a stem with leaves and a single flower bud. The flower bud blooms into a distinct white flower with pointed petals and red or pink coloring along the edges, usually in mid to late spring. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence: the leaves yellow and die back as the tulip enters dormancy, conserving energy within the bulb. The cycle repeats the following spring, when the bulb may also produce offsets leading to the growth of new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to autumn
Propogation: Tulipa 'Marilyn', commonly known as the Marilyn tulip, is predominantly propagated through the division of bulbs, a vegetative method that ensures the offspring will be true to the parent plant. The best time for this is in the fall, when the bulbs are dormant and have finished their annual growth cycle. To propagate, the bulbs are carefully dug up and the offsets, which are the smaller bulbs that develop at the base of a mature bulb, are gently separated. These offsets can then be replanted immediately, at a depth of about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm), and spaced about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart to allow for sufficient room for growth. This method is simple and effective, maintaining the distinct characteristics of the Marilyn tulip.
