Tulip Tulipa 'Picture' (5)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'Picture' is a captivating variety of tulip known for its unique and striking appearance. The bloom is particularly eye-catching, with a color palette that typically includes a blend of warm hues like soft pink and salmon, harmoniously transitioning to edges of a lighter shade, often creamy or white, which gives the impression of being delicately painted on. The petals are lusciously full and rounded, creating an almost peony-like form that adds to the luxurious look of the flower. What sets the Tulipa 'Picture' apart is the detailing on the petals, which can exhibit an exquisite feathering or brushstroke effect of a contrasting color, usually a deeper rose or red, which accentuates the softness of the underlying colors. This detail adds a depth and texture to the petals, making each bloom appear as though it were a work of art, leading to its apt designation as 'Picture'. The foliage is deep green and typically lance-shaped, providing a lush backdrop for the vivid blossoms. The leaves may also feature a waxy sheen that catches the light, enhancing the visual display of the plant. The overall presentation of the Tulipa 'Picture' during its blooming period is a stunning splash of color that embodies the essence of spring, exuding both grace and vibrancy in garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
Tulip.
Common names
Tulipa 'Picture'
ToxicityTo humans
The Tulip 'Picture' (Tulipa 'Picture') is considered to have low toxicity to humans. However, all parts of the tulip contain compounds that can cause irritation when ingested in large quantities. If someone were to ingest a significant amount of tulip bulbs, leaves, or stems, they could experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In particular, the bulb contains glycosides which, upon ingestion, can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, excessive salivation, and even difficulty breathing in more severe cases. It is essential to keep tulip bulbs out of reach of small children who might mistake them for edible items.
To pets
The Tulip 'Picture' (Tulipa 'Picture') is considered toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. All parts of the tulip plant, especially the bulbs, contain allergenic lactones and other components that can be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of tulip poisoning in pets may include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, depression, and in severe cases, an increase in heart rate and changes in breathing. If a pet consumes a large quantity of any part of the tulip plant, it may result in more serious consequences like gastrointestinal irritation or even central nervous system depression. It is important to seek veterinary care promptly if you suspect your pet has ingested tulip plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
6 inches [15 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Colorful Flowers: Tulips 'Picture' provide vibrant splashes of color when they bloom in the spring, adding aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Ease of Growing: They are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions as long as there is good drainage.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, they require minimal care such as occasional watering and deadheading.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which is beneficial for the health of your garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Tulips mark the change of seasons, signaling the end of winter and the arrival of spring.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tulip 'Picture' petals are sometimes used in gourmet cooking as an edible garnish, providing an aesthetic appeal to dishes with their vibrant colors.
- The bulbs can be crushed and used as a natural dye for textiles, imparting a yellow or green hue depending on the mordant used.
- Floral arrangements often feature tulips for their bold shapes and colors, and 'Picture' tulips can be a striking choice for centerpiece designs.
- The sturdy stems of tulips can be used in crafting, such as making natural wreaths or botanical art pieces.
- In some cultures, tulip petals are used to make a sweet-scented homemade potpourri that freshens up living spaces.
- Tulip flowers can be hollowed out and used as organic serving dishes for small appetizers or desserts at an elegant event.
- The vibrant colors of the Tulipa 'Picture' can be captured through photography and used in floral-themed calendars, cards, and prints.
- Dried tulip petals can be incorporated into homemade candles or soaps, giving them a floral touch and slight fragrances.
- Tulips are used in fashion design, where their image or actual petals are incorporated into fabric patterns or accessory designs.
- During some festivals, tulip flowers are used to create temporary decorative murals or street art, celebrating the beauty of the bloom en masse.
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: Often, the tulip represents perfect, enduring love between partners or family members.
- Prosperity: In some traditions, especially during the tulip mania in the 17th century Dutch Golden Age, tulips became a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
- Charity: The tulip’s varied and vibrant colors are sometimes seen symbols of charity and support for the less fortunate.
- Rebirth: Because tulips are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, they can symbolize rebirth and the coming of new beginnings.
- Forgiveness: In certain culture, giving a tulip is a way to apologize and symbolizes a request for forgiveness.
WaterThe Tulip 'Picture' should be watered generously when the soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season, water them about once a week, depending on weather conditions, providing about 1 gallon per square yard of soil. Reduce watering after the blooms have faded and the leaves begin to yellow, signaling the end of the growth cycle. It's crucial not to overwater, as this can lead to bulb rot. Ensure proper drainage to prevent excess water from stagnating around the bulbs.
LightTulips, including the Tulip 'Picture', thrive in full sun to light shade. They should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. The best spot is therefore an open area where they are exposed to direct sunlight during the day but can be protected from very high afternoon temperatures, which might harm the flowers.
TemperatureTulips, such as the Tulip 'Picture', favor cool to temperate climates with a maximum temperature of about 70°F and a minimum of around 35°F. They can survive brief periods of colder weather, down to about 20°F. The ideal temperature range for these tulips is between 50°F and 65°F to ensure proper growth and flowering.
PruningPruning is not typically necessary for the Tulip 'Picture', but removing spent flowers and seed heads can promote bulb vigor. Dead foliage should be removed once it has naturally yellowed and died back, usually a few weeks after flowering. This helps prevent diseases and prepares the plant for its next growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTulips require well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix for Tulip 'Picture' should be fertile, with added compost or well-rotted manure for nutrients, and some sand or perlite to improve drainage. Regarding pH, keep it slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingTulip 'Picture', like other tulip varieties, doesn't need frequent repotting as it is typically grown as an annual. Instead, bulbs should be planted in the autumn and then lifted after the foliage dies back if you plan to store them for the next season.
Humidity & MistingTulips, including the Tulip 'Picture', prefer moderate humidity levels. They can tolerate the typical outdoor humidity in regions where they thrive, without the need for special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect sunlight with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in autumn in fertile, well-drained soil.
Life cycleTulipa 'Picture', more commonly known as the Tulip 'Picture', begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is planted in the fall before the first frost. The bulb undergoes vernalization throughout the cold winter months, a chilling period which is necessary for the bulb to break dormancy. In early to mid-spring, the bulb sprouts and the tulip reaches the vegetative stage, during which leaves and a stem develop. Following the vegetative stage, the reproductive stage occurs when the tulip blooms, displaying its distinctive cup-shaped flower, an attraction for pollinators. After blooming, the plant enters the senescence phase where the flower wilts, seed formation may occur if pollination has taken place, and the foliage dies back as the plant goes dormant. The bulb remains underground where it conserves energy before resuming the cycle the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating Tulipa 'Picture', commonly known as the tulip, is through division of the bulbs. This is typically done in the autumn, once the foliage has died back, to ensure the bulbs have gathered enough energy for the next growing season. Gardeners carefully dig up the tulip bulbs and gently pull apart the offsets, which are the small bulbs that form at the base of the mother bulb. Each offset must have a bit of the basal plate to form roots. Once separated, the offsets can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) with the pointed end up. The soil should be well-drained and the bulbs spaced approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth and expansion in the following spring.
