Tulip Tulipa 'Rems Favourite' (3)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'Rems Favourite', commonly known as the tulip, is a striking and ornamental plant primarily renowned for its unique and eye-catching flowers. The blooms exhibit an intriguing color pattern, usually a combination of white and purple. The white base of the petals is often contrasted with bold, flame-like streaks or feathering in an intense purple hue, creating an almost marble-like effect. The shape of the flower is the classic cup form typical of tulips but may appear slightly elongated or pointed, giving it an elegant profile. The outer petals can sometimes curl outward, adding to the intricate appearance of each bloom. During their peak, the blooms open generously in full sun, showcasing their spectacular coloration and design. The leaves are elongated and narrow, with a rich green color, and they tend to have a waxy or glossy finish. They emerge from the base of the stem, forming a neat, low clump that frames the beauty of the flowers perched atop the stems. The contrast between the simple, understated foliage and the complex patterning of the blooms makes Tulipa 'Rems Favourite' a much-admired variety in gardens and floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Rem's Favourite Tulip, Rembrandt Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'Rems Favorite', Tulipa 'Rem's Favorite', Tulipa 'Rem's Favourite'
ToxicityTo humans
The common tulip is considered to have a low level of toxicity for humans. When any part of the tulip is ingested, it may cause mild stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. The bulb is the most toxic part and can also cause irritation to the mouth and esophagus if ingested. Handling the bulbs may sometimes lead to allergic reactions or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The tulip, which includes the 'Rems Favourite' variety, is toxic to pets. If ingested, the bulb is the most poisonous part, but all parts of the plant can cause symptoms. The toxins can lead to gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions, and cardiac abnormalities. It is important to prevent pets from consuming any part of the tulip to avoid these potential health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Tulipa 'Rems Favourite', commonly known as the Rembrandt tulip, has unique and striking color patterns that add visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming in the spring, the Rembrandt tulip provides a seasonal display that highlights the start of the growing season.
- Pollinator Attraction: While they are not the primary choice for pollinators, their blooms can attract bees and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Versatility: Rembrandt tulips can be planted in flower beds, borders, and containers, making them suitable for various garden designs.
- Ease of Care: These tulips are generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond the basics of sunlight, watering, and well-drained soil.
- Breeding Potential: They can be used by gardeners and breeders to develop new varieties and hybrids with unique characteristics.
- Longevity: With proper care, tulip bulbs can be used for several years, often naturalizing and forming larger clumps over time.
- Cut Flower Use: Rembrandt tulips make excellent cut flowers, with a vase life that brings their beauty indoors.
- Cultural Significance: Tulips have historical significance, particularly in Dutch history and culture, which can add a layer of meaning to their cultivation.
- Spring Bulb Combinations: They can be planted in combination with other spring bulbs to create a succession of blooms and a layered garden design.
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 can be used for natural dyeing, as they can provide a range of colors from yellow to pink, depending on the petals' color and the mordant used.
- Artists may use pressed tulip petals in botanical artwork or for creating unique patterns in papermaking.
- Tulip blossoms can be hollowed out gently to serve as delicate and decorative holders for individual servings of sorbet or ice cream at a spring-themed party.
- The strong stems of tulips can be woven or braided into small, decorative wreaths or used as a natural support for other plants in arrangements.
- Tulip bulbs can be carved and used as stamps for crafting or to decorate fabrics with organic shapes and floral designs.
- Silica gel can be used to dry tulip blooms which can then be incorporated into homemade potpourri, adding color and a light fragrance to a room.
- The shape and structure of tulip flowers lend themselves to being perfect natural cups for holding small candles or tea lights for ornamental purposes.
- Culinary enthusiasts can crystallize tulip petals with egg whites and sugar to make an unusual and decorative cake topping.
- The patterned petals of the tulip can inspire designs and patterns in interior design, such as wallpaper, textiles, or stained glass artwork.
- Educational projects can involve tulip petals and leaves, allowing children to create nature-inspired collages and artistic displays.
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: Tulips, in general, symbolize perfect love, with their elegant shape and myriad colors reflecting beauty and grace in relationships.
- Declaration of Love: Gifting a tulip, such as the 'Rems Favourite', is a traditional way to declare one's love, with the flower's bold patterns echoing a bold statement.
- Renewal: As a herald of spring, tulips like 'Rems Favourite' embody the idea of renewal and the fresh start that comes with the changing of seasons.
- Royalty: The striking and distinctive pattern of 'Rems Favourite' is often associated with regal elegance and nobility.
- Fame: Its unique color and pattern can also signify a quest for fame or recognition, making it a suitable gift for someone seeking to stand out.
- Charity: In some contexts, tulips represent charitable feelings or actions, suggesting generosity of spirit.
WaterKnown commonly as Tulip 'Rems Favorite', it requires moderate watering. During the growing season in spring, water it when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, providing enough water to moisten the soil evenly throughout the pot. This may equate to 1-2 gallons per week, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. Ensure that the plant is not left sitting in water as Tulips dislike overly wet conditions. Reduce watering once the foliage begins to yellow and die back after flowering, as the plant enters dormancy.
LightTulip 'Rems Favorite' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Bright morning light with some afternoon shade can benefit the plant, particularly in hotter climates to prevent the bulbs from overheating.
TemperatureTulip 'Rems Favorite' prefers a cool to moderate temperature range. Ideal growing temperatures are between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night, around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum winter temperatures of 35 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures fall below this. Tulips require a cold period to initiate blooming, so winter temperatures are crucial for their lifecycle.
PruningPruning Tulip 'Rems Favorite' is generally limited to dead-heading spent flowers to encourage bulb strength and removing yellowing leaves after they have died back naturally. This is typically done post-flowering in late spring or early summer. You shouldn't prune the leaves while they are still green, as they are gathering energy for the next season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilTulips thrive in well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. A soil mix with a pH of 6 to 7 is ideal. Incorporate compost or aged manure into the soil and ensure it is loose and friable to allow for proper root growth and drainage.
RepottingTulips, or Tulipa 'Rems Favourite', generally do not need to be repotted as they are perennial plants grown from bulbs. Instead, the bulbs should be planted in the ground or in a pot at the proper depth each autumn for a spring bloom.
Humidity & MistingTulips prefer moderate ambient humidity but are generally tolerant of the typical range found outdoors. They do not require specific humidity levels when grown outside in the garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place bulbs in bright indirect light in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full sun to partial shade, well-draining spot.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a tulip 'Rem's Favourite' begins with a dormant bulb planted in the autumn before the first frost. In early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, sending up shoots that develop into stems and leaves. As temperatures rise, the stem elongates and a bud forms, which eventually blooms into the distinctive colorful flower. After flowering, the plant enters a senescence phase where the petals fall off, and the plant directs energy back into the bulb for storage. In summer, the foliage yellows and dies back as the plant goes into dormancy. The cycle repeats each year with the bulb regenerating, using stored nutrients to produce new shoots the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: Tulipa 'Rems Favourite', commonly known as tulips, is best propagated through division, a process typically carried out in the fall, after the leaves have yellowed and died back. The most popular method involves carefully digging up the bulb clusters from the ground, gently separating them from the main plant, and removing any dead or diseased parts. Gardeners should replant the bulbs 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 allow for adequate growth. It's important to choose a well-drained location with full to partial sunlight, and the soil should be rich and fertile to encourage good root development. After planting, watering thoroughly will help establish the bulbs, but ongoing care should avoid over-watering, as tulip bulbs are susceptible to rot in excessively wet conditions.
