Persian Pearl Tulip Tulipa humilis 'Persian Pearl' (15)
ABOUT
The 'Persian Pearl' tulip is a captivating spring-flowering bulbous plant that showcases vibrant and striking colors. It possesses a charming goblet or star-shaped flower structure which is a signature characteristic of tulips. The petals exhibit a rich magenta hue with a deeper purple base, often embellished with a glowing yellow center that creates a beautiful contrast and draws attention to the heart of the flower. Its foliage is also worth noting, typically being a grayish-green color that complements the bright flowers well. The leaves are elongated, somewhat lance-shaped, and may have a slight curve or wave to them, adding to the overall graceful appearance of the plant. The 'Persian Pearl' tulip tends to create a delightful visual impact with its striking blooms that sit proudly atop the slender stems. Since it is a variant of tulips, it retains the elegant and simplistic beauty inherent to the species, making it a favorite for gardens and floral arrangements alike. This tulip variety is especially appreciated for its ability to bring a splash of early spring color to any setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Persian Pearl Tulip, Humilis Persian Pearl
Common names
Tulipa humilis var. violacea, Tulipa pulchella 'Persian Pearl', Tulipa aucheriana 'Persian Pearl', Tulipa violacea 'Persian Pearl'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as the Persian Pearl tulip, is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. It contains alkaloids and glycosides that can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. However, symptoms of poisoning are generally mild and can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it could lead to more severe reactions, especially if a person is allergic.
To pets
The Persian Pearl tulip is toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. It contains compounds such as tulipalin A and B, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. More severe symptoms could include drooling, depression, and an increase in heart rate. If a pet ingests a large number of bulbs, it may suffer from more serious conditions such as central nervous system depression, convulsions, or cardiac abnormalities. If you suspect your pet has ingested parts of this plant, seek veterinary attention 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
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color to gardens with its striking purple-magenta flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for casual gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: Welcomes bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Spring Bloom: One of the early flowers to bloom in spring, offering a cheerful sign of the warmer seasons to come.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, suitable for xeriscaping.
- Container Gardening: Well-suited for pots and containers, allowing for versatile placement around patios or balconies.
- Naturalizing: Has the ability to spread and naturalize an area over time, creating a more robust garden display.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides interest in the garden during the transition from winter to spring.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, making it a good fit for cooler climates.
- Decorative Cut Flowers: The blooms can be used in floral arrangements, adding a splash of color indoors.
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: Tulipa humilis 'Persian Pearl' is often used as a subject in photography due to its vibrant color and unique tulip shape, making it ideal for spring-themed photoshoots.
- Educational Tool: Botany instructors use the plant in educational settings to teach students about tulip morphology and bulb growth cycles.
- Art Inspiration: Artists frequently draw inspiration from the vivid hues and form of 'Persian Pearl' for paintings, textiles, and other forms of artistic expression.
- Themed Events: The blossoms can be used to add a touch of elegance and color coordination to special occasions like weddings or garden parties.
- Floral Arrangements: Their smaller size and striking appearance make 'Persian Pearl' tulips popular choices in creating intricate and eye-catching floral arrangements.
- Garden Design: Landscapers may utilize these tulips to create a 'river of color' effect or to define borders in garden beds due to their consistent height and coloring.
- Eco-friendly Dye: The colorful petals can be used in natural dyeing processes, providing a source for pink to purple hues in eco-friendly textile production.
- Culinary Decoration: Although not commonly used, the non-toxic petals can serve as an edible decoration to embellish desserts or cocktails for an elegant touch.
- Seasonal Festivities: Certain cultures might include 'Persian Pearl' tulips in their festivities to symbolize the advent of spring or celebrate national holidays where flowers play a role in the tradition.
- Photography Compensation: It's known for photographers to use the image of this tulip variety in calendar designs or greeting cards as part of their product range for consumers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Persian Pearl Tulip is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Persian Pearl Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Tulips are often associated with perfect love and deep affection. The 'Persian Pearl' variety, with its vibrant colors, could symbolize the passionate aspects of love.
- Abundance: The full, rounded shape of tulip blooms is sometimes connected with abundance and prosperity, potentially symbolizing a wish for wealth or success.
- Royalty: The rich hues of 'Persian Pearl' may suggest regality, conveying a sense of majesty and elegance.
- Forgiveness: In some cultural contexts, a tulip can be a symbol of forgiveness, offering a way to apologize and make amends.
- Transformation: The growth of tulips from bulbs to beautiful flowers can represent transformation and the idea of new beginnings.
WaterThe Persian Pearl tulip requires moderate watering during its growing season, typically from fall until the end of spring. It's important to water deeply to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as standing water can cause bulb rot. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 0.5 gallons of water per square foot every week, adjusting for rainfall, until the foliage begins to yellow and die back. During the dormant period in summer, watering should be significantly reduced or eliminated to mimic the natural dry conditions the plant would experience in its native habitat.
LightPersian Pearl tulips perform best in full sun to partial shade. Plant them in a spot where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can hinder flower production and cause the plants to become leggy.
TemperaturePersian Pearl tulips thrive in cooler climates with temperatures ranging from about 35°F to 70°F. They require a chilling period with temperatures between 35°F and 55°F to initiate blooming, which is why they are planted in the fall to overwinter in the ground. These tulips can survive winter cold down to about -20°F and should be planted in locations where they can experience the cold they need.
PruningPruning of Persian Pearl tulips is mainly limited to deadheading the spent flowers after they have bloomed; this encourages the plant to focus energy back into the bulb instead of seed production. Remove the faded flowers but leave the foliage in place until it has yellowed and died back naturally, usually a few weeks after flowering. Pruning is typically done once the blooming period is over in late spring.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Wild Tulip thrives in well-draining, sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A mix of two-thirds inorganic material like sand or grit with one-third organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure, is ideal.
RepottingWild Tulips, being perennial bulbs, don’t need frequent repotting. Repotting is done every few years or when the bulbs outgrow their current space. It's best done after the foliage dies back, usually in late spring or summer.
Humidity & MistingWild Tulips prefer outdoor conditions and do not require high humidity; average outdoor ambient humidity is sufficient for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in well-draining, gritty soil near a sunny window.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in autumn, in well-draining soil, full sun.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa humilis 'Persian Pearl', commonly known as the Persian Pearl tulip, begins its life as a dormant bulb planted in autumn. During the early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sends up narrow, lance-shaped leaves followed by a short stem bearing a single cup-shaped flower, often magenta with a yellow center. After flowering, the plant sets seed while the foliage synthesizes energy that is stored back in the bulb. Once the above-ground plant parts die back in late spring or early summer, the bulb enters a period of summer dormancy. In the dormant state, the bulb survives through the hot and dry period, and may multiply, producing offsets. The cycle repeats every year with the bulbs re-emerging in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulipa humilis 'Persian Pearl', commonly known as the Persian Pearl tulip, is best propagated through the division of its bulbs. This process should ideally be performed in the fall when the bulbs are dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the mature bulbs after the foliage has died back and gently separate any offset bulbs that have formed. These offsets are miniature bulbs that can be planted immediately at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in well-draining soil, spaced approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growing space. It is important to ensure the pointed end of the bulb is facing upwards. Over time, these offsets will develop into mature bulbs and produce their own flowers, typically blooming in the following spring if planted early enough.
