Red Hunter Tulip Tulipa linifolia (Batalinii Group) 'Red Hunter' (15)
ABOUT
'Red Hunter' is a striking variety of tulip that showcases bold red blooms. Each flower consists of cup-shaped petals that are richly saturated with a vivid red color, with the outer petals often having a more pronounced hue. The petals have a smooth texture and may display a fine, silken sheen that gleams in sunlight. As the blooms mature, they can open fully under the warmth of the sun, revealing a star-like form when viewed from above. The interior of the flower may exhibit a black or yellow base, which creates a dramatic contrast against the red petals. Below the blossoms, the foliage of 'Red Hunter' is typically a crisp, green color, complementing the red flowers. The leaves are generally narrow, elongated, and have a slightly wavy or undulating edge, which adds a touch of elegance to the overall appearance of the plant. As a bulbous species, the tulip emerges from an underground bulb that stores energy for the plant's annual growth cycle.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Red Hunter Tulip
Common names
Tulipa batalinii 'Red Hunter'
ToxicityTo humans
Red Hunter Tulip is not considered highly toxic to humans, but it can potentially cause irritation or an allergic reaction if ingested or handled. The bulbs are the most toxic part of the plant. If ingested, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Handling the bulbs may also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals.
To pets
Red Hunter Tulip is toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats, as are all parts of tulips. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, particularly the bulb, it can lead to symptoms such as drooling, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In more severe cases, ingestion can result in depression of the central nervous system and cardiac abnormalities. It is important to keep this plant out of reach of pets to prevent ingestion and potential toxicity.
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
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhanced Garden Aesthetics: Adds vibrant color with its red flowers, increasing the visual appeal of garden landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Ecosystem Support: Attracts pollinators such as bees, which is beneficial for the pollination of surrounding plants and biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in spring, providing seasonal interest and color after winter months.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, has good resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: The Red Hunter tulip is capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, which is advantageous for gardens in colder regions.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: Typically resistant to deer and rodents, safeguarding blooms from garden pests.
- Border and Bed Planting: Suitable for borders and flowerbeds, offering structure and color contrast to garden designs.
- Container Gardening: Adaptable to container planting, ideal for patios, balconies, or gardeners with limited space.
- Cut Flower Use: Stems can be cut and used in floral arrangements, bringing the garden’s beauty indoors.
- Naturalizing: The Red Hunter tulip has the ability to self-seed and naturalize in an appropriate environment, gradually creating larger displays over time.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tulip petals have been historically used for dyeing fabrics, giving them a soft, natural color.
- Tulip bulbs can be used as a replacement for onions in some recipes when cooked, albeit with a slightly different taste and texture.
- The strong stems of 'Red Hunter' tulips may be used in floral art or as a natural support for other, more delicate plants in arrangements.
- The petals of the 'Red Hunter' tulip can be used to create organic confetti for celebrations as a biodegradable alternative to paper or plastic.
- 'Red Hunter' tulips can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, pollination, and hybridization due to their distinctive characteristics.
- Tulip petals, including those of 'Red Hunter', can be pressed and used in pressed flower crafts, such as bookmarks and greeting cards.
- Tulip flowers are sometimes used to flavor certain gourmet dishes or to create an exotic garnish due to their edible nature.
- After they have finished blooming, the dried seed pods of 'Red Hunter' tulips can be utilized as part of rustic or autumnal decorations.
- 'Red Hunter' tulips can be a source of natural inks for drawing or painting, with the color extracted from the petals.
- In photography, the vibrant red of 'Red Hunter' tulips provides a striking subject or backdrop that can be used to practice color contrast and composition.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Red Hunter Tulip is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Red Hunter Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Passion: The 'Red Hunter' tulip, with its vibrant red color, symbolizes deep love and passion, commonly conveying strong emotions and romantic interest.
- Perfect Love: Tulips in general, and specifically the red ones, are associated with the notion of perfect love, epitomizing an ideal romantic affection.
- Pride: The bold stance and vivid color of the 'Red Hunter' tulip can represent pride, suggesting confidence and self-assuredness in a person's achievements or qualities.
- Spring and Renewal: As a spring-blooming flower, tulips like 'Red Hunter' are symbolic of new beginnings, rebirth, and the rejuvenation that comes with the season.
- Charity: In some contexts, the tulip represents charity, with its cup-shaped bloom seen as an open and giving heart.
WaterRed Hunter Tulips require moderate watering, especially during their growth in the spring. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can cause bulb rot. Water these tulips with about half a gallon per square foot every week, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots. During the dormant period, after the foliage has died back, you should reduce watering significantly and keep the soil drier.
LightRed Hunter Tulips thrive in full sun, meaning they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for them is in an unobstructed area where they can bask in the sun's rays without being shaded by larger plants or structures. However, in areas with very hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the tulips from excessive heat.
TemperatureRed Hunter Tulips prefer cooler temperatures and can generally withstand winters well. They require a period of cold dormancy, with ideal winter temperatures being between 35 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive short periods of temperatures just below freezing, but long stretches of extreme cold or heat are detrimental. For optimal blooming, spring temperatures should be mild, generally below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningRed Hunter Tulips usually require little to no pruning. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, can be done after blooming to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production, but this is more for aesthetic purposes than health. Pruning is not necessary for the foliage as it should be left to die back naturally, reabsorbing nutrients back into the bulb for the next season's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Red Hunter tulip is well-draining, fertile, and sandy loam. It should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
RepottingRed Hunter tulips, being bulbous plants, don’t need frequent repotting. They should be repotted after blooming when the foliage has died back, typically every 2-3 years, to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingRed Hunter tulips prefer outdoor conditions and thus do not require specific humidity levels. Average outdoor humidity is sufficient for these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in a cool room with bright light.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil in fall.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa linifolia 'Red Hunter', commonly known as the Red Hunter tulip, begins its life cycle as a bulb planted in autumn soil before the first frost. During the cool winter months, the bulb undergoes a period of dormancy, which is broken as temperatures rise in spring, triggering the emergence of shoots. The plant enters a rapid growth phase, producing narrow, linear leaves and a single, vivid red flower on a sturdy stem that typically blooms in mid to late spring. After flowering, the plant enters the senescence stage where the foliage yellows and dies back, returning nutrients to the bulb for the next growing season. Throughout the summer, the bulb lies dormant underground while it conserves energy. The cycle repeats when cooler temperatures return in the autumn, preparing the tulip for the next cycle of growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulipa linifolia 'Red Hunter,' commonly known as red tulip, is most typically propagated through the division of its bulbs. The ideal time for this process is during the late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back and the tulip has gone dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate the smaller offset bulbs from the parent bulb. These offsets, also known as "daughter bulbs," are clones of the parent and can be replanted immediately. They should be placed in well-draining soil at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, which is usually around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep, and spaced about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 centimeters) apart. Watering should be minimal until the new growth begins to emerge in the spring.
