Red Gem Tulip Tulipa linifolia (Batalinii Group) 'Red Gem' (15)
ABOUT
The Red Gem tulip is a captivating plant, known for its strikingly vibrant blooms that boast a rich, fiery red color. Each flower is elegantly shaped, resembling a classic tulip cup with pointed tips, adding to its allure and petal definition. The petals have a silky luster and are known to open wide during the sunny days of spring, almost laying flat to form a star-like silhouette that showcases its beauty to the fullest. Inside the bloom, you'll often notice a contrasting base, commonly displaying a dramatic black or deep blue center which helps accentuate the radiance of the red petals surrounding it. The foliage of the Red Gem is equally attractive, emanating a fresh, green backdrop that complements the vivid color of the flowers. The leaves are narrow, elongated, and have a slightly curly or wavy edge, giving them a graceful and ornamental texture. The arrangement of the leaves is neat and symmetrical, growing from the base of the plant and providing a lovely contrast that highlights the dazzling red tulips. This tulip variety is a springtime showstopper, often planted in clusters to create a carpet of red in garden landscapes, where their striking appearance can be admired up close or from afar.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
Red Gem Tulip, Batalin’s Tulip.
Common names
Tulipa batalinii Regel, Tulipa linifolia Regel
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Red Gem Tulip is not generally considered highly toxic to humans. However, all parts of tulips contain compounds that can cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of tulip ingestion might include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In particular, the bulb is more likely to cause symptoms than the flowers or stems.
To pets
The Red Gem Tulip can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If ingested, the tulip bulb is the most poisonous part and can cause symptoms such as drooling, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, ingestion can lead to depression of the central nervous system and cardiac abnormalities. It's important to prevent pets from accessing and ingesting any parts of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: 'Red Gem' tulips add vibrant color to gardens with their bright red, cup-shaped flowers, enhancing aesthetic beauty.
- Pollinator Attraction: They attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Being relatively drought-tolerant and easy to care for, they are ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Seasonal Interest: They bloom in spring, providing a seasonal highlight and rejuvenating the landscape after winter.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for pots and containers, they allow for gardening in small spaces or urban settings.
- Naturalizing: 'Red Gem' tulips can naturalize and multiply over time, expanding their presence in a garden with minimal effort.
- Versatility in Landscaping: They can be planted in borders, flowerbeds, and rock gardens, offering versatility in landscape design.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, allowing one to create vibrant indoor floral arrangements.
- Multiplication: They produce offsets, enabling gardeners to propagate and share plants with others.
- Resilience to Pests: They have a certain degree of resistance to common pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Eco-friendly dye source: The vibrant petals of the Red Gem tulip can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Photography subject: With its striking red petals, the Red Gem tulip is a stunning subject for macro and botanical photographers, allowing for the exploration of plant details and textures.
- Edible decoration: While tulips are not commonly consumed, the petals of Red Gem tulips can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, provided they are free of pesticides.
- Artistic inspiration: The unique color and form of the Red Gem tulip can serve as an inspiration for artists, influencing paintings, sculptures, and other art forms.
- Event theming: The Red Gem tulip can be used in event decorations for themed parties or weddings that require a red color scheme.
- Culinary infusion: Petals of the Red Gem tulip can be used to infuse water or vinegar, imparting a subtle flavor and color, although this is not a common culinary practice and should be approached with caution.
- Plant-based inks: The pigments from the petals can be extracted to create natural inks for calligraphy and art projects.
- Seed crafts: The seeds of the Red Gem tulip can be incorporated into seed art or used for educational projects about plant life cycles.
- Educational tool: Botanical parts of the Red Gem tulip can be used in schools to teach students about plant biology and hybridization.
- Garden design: The Red Gem tulip can be strategically planted to create patterns or color blocks in formal or informal garden settings, enhancing the aesthetics of the landscape.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Red Gem tulip is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Red Gem tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The tulip, particularly red tulips, symbolize deep love. Since 'Red Gem' is a red tulip, it carries this meaning of passionate affection.
- Perfect Love: In Turkish and Persian folklore, the tulip is a symbol of perfect love, probably connected to the legend of Farhad and Shirin, where the flower springs from the lover's drops of blood.
- Declaration of Love: Gifting tulips can represent a declaration of one's love.
- Rebirth: Because tulips bloom in the spring, they are often associated with rebirth and new beginnings.
- Charity: In the Victorian language of flowers, tulips can symbolize charity.
WaterThe Red Gem Tulip benefits from even moisture during its growth period. It should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually once a week. Gentle watering around the base of the plant helps to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the active growth phase in spring, you might need to water with approximately a half gallon per plant every week, depending on weather conditions. Once the foliage begins to yellow and die back after flowering, reduce watering as the bulb goes dormant.
LightThe Red Gem Tulip thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. The best spot for them is in a clear, unobstructed area where they can soak up the sunshine. These tulips can also tolerate light shade, but bloom best in a sunny location.
TemperatureThe Red Gem Tulip prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can survive winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions for these tulips occur in spring and fall when the daytime temperatures are cool.
PruningPruning is not typically required for Red Gem Tulips except for removing spent flowers and dead foliage. Deadhead the flowers after they fade to prevent seed formation. Once the foliage turns yellow and dies back naturally, it can be cut down to the ground, usually by late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Tulipa linifolia 'Red Gem', commonly known as Red Gem Tulip, the best soil mix is well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter such as compost. The ideal soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingRed Gem Tulip bulbs should be repotted every 3-5 years to ensure proper space for growth and to replenish the soil's nutrients. They are typically replanted in the fall before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingRed Gem Tulips prefer a moderate outdoor humidity level, as they are adapted to the spring weather of temperate climates. Indoor humidity similar to average household levels is typically acceptable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Red Gem Tulip bulbs in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Red Gem Tulip bulbs in full sun to light shade in fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa linifolia 'Red Gem', commonly known as Red Gem Tulip, starts its life cycle as a bulb planted in autumn before the ground freezes. During springtime, the bulb breaks dormancy as the temperature rises, initiating the growth of a stem, leaves, and a single, strikingly red flower. After blooming, which lasts for a few weeks, the plant goes through the process of pollination, potentially with the aid of bees and other insects. Once pollinated, the flower develops seed capsules, which eventually dry and release the seeds. The above-ground foliage then withers away, allowing the plant to enter a summer dormancy phase as a bulb underground. In the following growing season, the cycle begins anew, with some bulbs potentially producing offsets (bulblets) that will grow into new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for Tulipa linifolia, commonly known as Red Gem tulips, is through division of their bulb offsets. This process is typically done in the fall after the foliage has died back. Gardeners carefully dig up the tulip bulbs and gently separate the small offsets from the mother bulb. These offsets should be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), spaced around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart to ensure adequate room for growth. By the following spring, these offsets have often developed sufficiently to produce their own flowers. Care should be taken not to damage the bulbs during the division process to prevent disease and ensure healthy growth.
