Tulip Tulipa humilis 'Pink Charm' (15)
ABOUT
Tulipa humilis 'Pink Charm' is a type of tulip that is known for its charming and vibrant appearance. The flower petals have a gradient of colors, starting with a soft pink at the edges, which beautifully deepens to a more intense shade towards the base. The petals are rounded with slightly pointed tips, creating a classic tulip shape. The inside of the flower often reveals a different hue or a contrasting heart of yellow or white, with some black or deep purple detailing at the base, which accentuates its appeal. The contrasting colors within the flower are particularly eye-catching and are one of its defining features. The leaves of 'Pink Charm' are typically narrow and elongated, with a gray-green color that complements the brightness of the flowers. The foliage grows in a clump, providing a lush backdrop for the vivid blooms that tower above on sturdy stems. The overall look of the plant exudes an aura of springtime freshness and is guaranteed to add a touch of elegance and color to any garden setting during its blooming period.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Pink Charm Tulip, Dwarf Tulip, Humilis Tulip
Common names
Tulipa pulchella 'Pink Charm', Tulipa humilis var. pulchella 'Pink Charm', Tulipa pulchella var. humilis 'Pink Charm'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Pink Charm tulip is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, like other members of the Tulipa genus, it contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in large amounts. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, handling the bulbs of tulips may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Ingesting any part of the tulip, particularly the bulbs, is not advisable and can lead to the aforementioned discomforts.
To pets
Pink Charm tulip can be toxic to pets if ingested. This includes dogs, cats, and horses, which may experience symptoms similar to those seen in humans—namely gastrointestinal upset, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, excessive drooling. The bulb of the tulip is the most toxic part and can be more dangerous if a pet consumes it. It is advisable to keep pets away from tulips and seek veterinary attention if you suspect they have ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 inches [10 cm]
Spread
3 inches [8 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant pink color and charm to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Seasonal Interest: Adds spring interest to outdoor spaces with its early blooming flowers.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Compact Size: Its small stature allows for planting in containers or small garden spaces.
- Naturalizing: Capable of spreading and naturalizing in the landscape, filling in spaces over time.
- Deer Resistant: Less attractive to deer, which can help prevent damage to gardens.
- Cold Hardy: Can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: Tulipa humilis 'Pink Charm', commonly known as Pink Charm, often serves as a muse for artists and photographers due to its vibrant color and delicate form.
- Educational tool: Botany teachers and educators can use the Pink Charm as a living example to explain bulb growth cycles and flower anatomy to students.
- Culinary decoration: Edible petals of the Pink Charm can be used to embellish salads or desserts for an added touch of elegance (note: ensure edibility as not all tulips are edible).
- Wedding décor: Pink Charm's blooms can be integrated into wedding bouquets or table arrangements for a soft, romantic springtime theme.
- Fragrance extraction: Although not common, the Pink Charm could potentially be used to extract floral scents for perfumery or aromatherapy products.
- Color dye: The Pink Charm’s petals may be used to produce a natural pink dye for fabrics or artisan crafts.
- Garden therapy programs: As a part of horticultural therapy, Pink Charm tulips can be used in garden settings to enhance psychological and physical well-being.
- Journaling and scrapbooking: Pressed flowers of Pink Charm can be used in craft projects such as journaling and scrapbooking for their aesthetic appeal.
- Mood enhancer: The vibrant appearance and presence of Pink Charm in a living space can act as a mood booster, adding brightness and cheer to the environment.
- Species conservation: The cultivation of Pink Charm can contribute to the conservation of tulip species and maintain biodiversity within gardens and arboretums.
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: As a tulip variety, the 'Pink Charm' often symbolizes perfect, enduring love between partners or family members, having grown from the Turkish tradition of wearing tulips in one's turban, leading the flower to represent a declaration of love.
- Prosperity: In many cultures, tulips are also associated with abundance and prosperity, and the 'Pink Charm's vibrant color could be seen as representing a wealthy, prosperous life.
- Elegance and Grace: The 'Pink Charm' tulip, with its smooth, cup-shaped flowers and subtle color, can denote elegance and grace, suggesting a gentle beauty with a quiet strength.
- Renewal and Spring: Tulips bloom in the spring, making them symbols of rebirth and new beginnings, and the 'Pink Charm' variety, with its fresh pink hues, is no exception, heralding the coming of warmer days and renewal of the nature.
- Caring and Attachment: The soft pink color of the 'Pink Charm' tulip is often related to care, compassion, and strong attachments, suggesting a tender, more nurturing side of love.
WaterPink Charm tulips should be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch, which could be about once a week. They prefer a deep watering that allows the water to reach the roots, rather than frequent light waterings. During the growing season, provide about an inch of water each week, which is roughly 0.6 gallons for a square yard. After blooming, reduce the amount of water to encourage the foliage to die back naturally. Overwatering can cause bulb rot, so it's crucial to ensure good drainage and not to water too heavily.
LightPink Charm tulips thrive best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for these tulips is an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, which encourages strong growth and optimal flowering. While they can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can lead to weak stems and poor blooms.
TemperaturePink Charm tulips prefer cool to moderate temperatures and are hardy in zones 4-8. They can endure winter freezes and are cold-hardy down to at least -30°F. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth is between 60°F and 70°F during the day, slightly cooler at night. Excessive heat or temperatures above 75°F can shorten the bloom time and may stress the plants.
PruningPruning Pink Charm tulips involves deadheading the spent flowers after blooming to prevent seed formation, which conserves energy for the bulb. However, the foliage should be left in place until it has yellowed and died back naturally, typically 6 weeks after flowering, as this period allows the bulb to store energy for the next grow season. Prune once annually after blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTulipa humilis 'Pink Charm', commonly known as 'Pink Charm' tulip, thrives best in a well-draining sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The ideal soil mix can be prepared by combining two parts garden soil, one part coarse sand, and one part compost to ensure rich fertility and good drainage.
Repotting'Pink Charm' tulip, typically does not require frequent repotting as they are perennial bulbs. They should be lifted and divided every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain vigor.
Humidity & Misting'Pink Charm' tulip prefers average humidity levels typical of outdoor conditions. It does not have specific humidity requirements and can tolerate the fluctuations of outdoor environments well.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool temperature.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
Life cycleTulipa humilis 'Pink Charm', commonly known as Pink Charm Dwarf Tulip, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which lies dormant underground during the summer months. In autumn, roots emerge from the bulb as it utilizes stored nutrients to start the growth cycle, and leaves begin to surface above ground. With the onset of spring, Pink Charm Dwarf Tulip undergoes a vegetative growth phase where leaves develop fully, followed by the budding stage when the flower stalks elongate, and buds are formed. The blooming stage occurs next, displaying the characteristic pink-hued flowers, which is the plant's reproductive phase involving pollination, often by insects. After flowering, the plant enters the senescence phase, where the petals wilt and drop off, and the plant focuses on developing seed pods if pollination has occurred. Eventually, the above-ground parts of the plant wither, and the bulb enters a period of dormancy again until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulipa humilis 'Pink Charm', commonly known as the Humilis Tulip, is best propagated through bulb division. This process should ideally be performed in the fall, when the bulbs are dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the bulbs after the foliage has died back, which typically happens in late summer or early fall. Gently separate the small, offset bulbs, which are known as bulbils, from the parent bulb. These bulbils are the key to propagating the Humilis Tulip. Replant the bulbils at a depth of around 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 centimeters), spaced a few inches apart, in well-draining soil with good sunlight exposure. With proper care, these bulbs will mature and can bloom in the following spring, continuing the cycle of growth for this charming tulip variety.
