Tulip Tulipa 'Sensual Touch' (7)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'Sensual Touch' is renowned for its mesmerizing flowers that exude a luxurious charm with their unique form and rich coloration. The blossoms of this tulip variety are fully double, displaying an opulent array of ruffled petals. These petals create an almost peony-like effect, with their layers upon layers that offer a fluffy, full-bodied appearance. The color of the petals is a stunning gradient of flame-like hues; deep oranges blend seamlessly into yellows, with the warm colors reminiscent of a fiery sunset or the embers of a cozy fire. The texture of the petals is noted for its fringed edges, lending an additional textural element that invites a closer look or a gentle touch. The vibrant, warm colors of the bloom are set off by the contrasting fresh green foliage that tends to be lance-shaped, providing a striking backdrop for the showy and sensational flowers. Each stem supports a singular, prominent flower that demands attention in any garden setting or floral arrangement. Tulipa 'Sensual Touch', with its exotic and sumptuous appearance, is a true horticultural treasure that adds a touch of romance and emotional warmth wherever it is displayed.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Fringed Tulip, Frills Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'Sensual Touch'
ToxicityTo humans
Tulip 'Sensual Touch' falls under the general category of tulips, which have a low level of toxicity to humans. If ingested, tulip bulbs are more likely to cause symptoms than the rest of the plant. The possible symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. The most concerning parts are the bulb and the stem, which contain allergenic lactones and other compounds that can lead to unpleasant symptoms if consumed in large quantities. Handling the bulbs may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, such as skin irritation.
To pets
Tulips, including the Tulip 'Sensual Touch', are toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. The most toxic part of the plant is the bulb. If a pet ingests parts of a tulip, symptoms of poisoning can include gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases, there might be drooling, depression, or an increase in heart rate. Large ingestions of tulip bulbs can lead to more serious complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias or central nervous system issues. It is crucial to keep tulips out of reach of pets and to contact a veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your pet has ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Beautification: The Tulip 'Sensual Touch' (7) adds vibrant color and aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Economic value: Tulips are popular cut flowers, providing economic benefits through floriculture.
- Pollinator attraction: Tulips can attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Seasonal interest: Tulips mark the change of seasons, blooming in spring and signaling the end of winter.
- Easy to Grow: Tulips, including the 'Sensual Touch' variety, are generally easy to plant and maintain, suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatility: They can be used in various settings, including beds, borders, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Educational value: Tulips like 'Sensual Touch' provide opportunities for educational activities about plant growth and horticulture.
- Cultural significance: Tulips have a rich history and are featured in festivals and events, offering cultural value.
- Gift-giving: As a symbol of perfect love, tulips are often given as gifts, strengthening social bonds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: Tulip 'Sensual Touch' with its unique fringed petals can be a captivating subject for macro and portrait photography.
- Educational Tool: Primary schools can use tulips to teach children about plant biology, including growth cycles and pollination.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried tulip petals from 'Sensual Touch' can serve as biodegradable confetti for eco-friendly events.
- Art Inspiration: The bold colors and soft textures of 'Sensual Touch' tulips can inspire artists for paintings, textiles, and other creative works.
- Floral Arrangement Practice: These tulips can be used by novice florists to practice their arrangement skills due to their distinct shape.
- Color Dye Source: The petals of 'Sensual Touch' tulips could potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and crafts.
- Mood Enhancer: The bright and cheerful appearance of 'Sensual Touch' can be used to enhance the ambiance and mood in interior design.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not a traditional use, the petals of tulips can be used as a garnish for salads and desserts if they are free of pesticides.
- Handicrafts Material: The stems and petals of the 'Sensual Touch' tulip can be incorporated into paper making or as decorative elements in handmade cards and crafts.
- Stress Relief: Tending to a garden of 'Sensual Touch' tulips may provide a sense of tranquility and serve as a natural stress reliever.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe tulip is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Romance: Tulips are commonly associated with love and the 'Sensual Touch' variety with its lush, frilly petals can be especially symbolic of deep affection and passion.
- Perfect Lover: As tulips are a classic symbol for perfect love, the 'Sensual Touch' tulip could represent an ideal and passionate partner or an expression of love and desire.
- Spring and Renewal: Like all tulips, 'Sensual Touch' is a harbinger of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal that comes with this vibrant season.
- Comfort and Warmth: The warm, inviting colors of the 'Sensual Touch' tulip often evoke feelings of comfort and the human longing for companionship and intimacy.
- Royalty and Prosperity: Tulips were once so valuable that they were a sign of wealth and prosperity; the lush 'Sensual Touch' variety, with its particularly rich appearance, can still represent opulence and regality.
WaterFringed tulips, such as 'Sensual Touch', should be watered thoroughly at planting and then not watered again until the leaves emerge. After emergence, maintain consistent moisture especially during the spring growth period. Provide about an inch of water weekly if rainfall is insufficient. Once blooms have faded and leaves begin to yellow, reduce watering as the bulb enters dormancy over the summer. During dormancy, avoid watering to prevent bulb rot.
LightFringed tulips require full sun to grow best, thriving with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these tulips is an area with clear exposure to the morning sun, which offers a cooler light and helps maintain vivid petal colors. Shady conditions will lead to weak stems and poor flowering.
TemperatureFringed tulips prefer a temperate climate with cold winters and warm springs. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for these tulips ranges between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit during their active growing period in the spring.
PruningFringed tulips generally do not require pruning except for deadheading spent flowers after blooming to prevent seed formation. The best time to remove the faded flowers is as soon as they begin to wilt. Leave the foliage to die back naturally, as this allows the bulb to reabsorb nutrients for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Tulip 'Sensual Touch' is well-draining sandy or loamy soil enriched with compost or aged manure. The ideal soil pH for tulips is between 6.0 and 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingTulip 'Sensual Touch' bulbs should be lifted and replanted about every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and ensure healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingTulip 'Sensual Touch' prefers outdoor conditions with average humidity levels; they do not require high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in well-draining soil, provide bright light, keep cool after bloom.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full sun to partial shade, fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA.
Life cycleTulipa 'Sensual Touch', also known as the fringed tulip, begins its life cycle when the bulb is planted in the fall, ideally in well-drained soil at a depth thrice the height of the bulb. In early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, and shoots emerge from the soil, developing into sturdy stems with lance-shaped leaves. The buds form atop the stems and bloom by mid to late spring, revealing the characteristic fringed petals in vibrant shades, engaging in reproduction through insect pollination. After flowering, the petals wilt and the plant enters a period of senescence; it diverts energy to the bulb for the next cycle. The foliage dies back in early summer, at which point the bulb enters a dormant phase, resting until the next growth cycle begins the following spring. For perennial success, it is often recommended to remove the flower heads after blooming and before seed development to conserve the bulb's energy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Tulip 'Sensual Touch' is through bulb division, which is typically done in the fall after the leaves have died back. When the foliage has turned yellow and can be easily pulled away, carefully lift the bulbs from the ground using a trowel or fork, taking care not to damage them. Gently brush off any excess soil and allow the bulbs to dry in a well-ventilated, shady spot for a day or two. Once dried, remove smaller bulbs that have formed around the base of the parent bulb, as these bulblets can be planted to grow new plants. Replant the bulbs as soon as possible at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, spacing them about 4 to 6 inches apart (10 to 15 centimeters) in well-drained soil with good sun exposure to ensure the best chance of growth in the following season.
