Lady Tulip Tulipa clusiana 'Sheila' (15)
ABOUT
Sheila is a variety of tulip known for its distinctive and elegant flowers. This tulip variety boasts a striking color scheme that typically features a combination of white and pink hues. The petals are elongated and pointed, creating a sleek and graceful silhouette when the flower is viewed from a distance. The outer petals often display a softer, creamier white tone that may transition into a gentle pink blush at the tips. In contrast, the inside petals usually present a more vivid pink shade, which can range from a warm, rosy hue to a richer, almost reddish-pink tint. This contrast between the inner and outer petals creates a beautiful, layered look that is quite eye-catching. Furthermore, when in full bloom, the petals may curve outward, giving the flower a more open and inviting appearance. The tulip's interior often reveals a yellow or sometimes a contrasting dark base that is accented with black or another complementary color in the form of markings or splotches, adding to the visual interest of the plant. The leaves of the Sheila tulip are typically slender, with a length that balances the overall shape of the plant. Their color is a deep green, providing a lush backdrop to the vibrant colors of the blooms. The foliage might also feature a unique variegation or a subtle wavy or rippled texture, contributing to the plant's ornamental value. Overall, the Sheila tulip is beloved for its colorful, delicate flowers that can add a touch of sophistication and beauty to any garden display. Its flowers are admired for their unique color patterns and elegant form that make it a popular choice for gardeners and flower enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
Lady Tulip, Candlestick Tulip, Clusius' Tulip.
Common names
Tulipa clusiana 'Sheila'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Tulip (Tulipa clusiana 'Sheila') has parts that are considered toxic if ingested by humans. Tulip bulbs contain alkaloids and glycosides that can cause symptoms if eaten in large quantities. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. Contact with the bulb may also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. It is important for humans to avoid ingesting any part of the tulip plant, particularly the bulbs.
To pets
The plant commonly known as Tulip (Tulipa clusiana 'Sheila') is toxic to pets if ingested. The bulbs are the most poisonous part of the plant. If a pet consumes parts of a tulip, they may show symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to depression of the central nervous system and more serious effects. It is crucial to prevent pets from consuming any part of tulip plants to avoid the possibility of toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
6 inches [15 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant colors and elegant shapes to gardens during blooming season.
- Pollinator Attraction: Invites bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that help pollinate other plants.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to a variety of soil conditions and doesn't require extensive care.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides a striking display in the spring, marking the change of seasons.
- Bulb Multiplication: Can produce offshoot bulbs which can be divided and replanted to propagate the plant.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, has good resistance to short periods of drought.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and deadheading compared to many other flowering plants.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some plants, it does not typically spread beyond its intended planting area.
- Deer Resistance: Often avoided by deer, which can help prevent damage to other nearby plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Inspiration: The stark and elegant beauty of the Lady Tulip can serve as an inspiring subject for photographers, particularly in macro photography.
- Art Projects: The colorful petals and form of the Lady Tulip can be used as a stamp for paintings and creative art projects in schools or at home.
- Dye Production: The petals of Lady Tulip may be boiled to produce natural dyes for fabric or paper crafting.
- Garden Design: Due to its attractive shape and colors, the Lady Tulip can be used in garden design to create striking patterns and focal points.
- Floral Crafts: Dried Lady Tulip petals can be incorporated into floral crafts like potpourri or sachets.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the Lady Tulip can be used as a biodegradable confetti for celebrations.
- Culinary Decoration: While not commonly consumed, the petals of the Lady Tulip could be used as an organic garnish for culinary presentation.
- Jewelry Making: The petals or bulbs of the Lady Tulip can be encased in resin to create unique and natural pieces of jewelry.
- Teaching Tool: Lady Tulips can be used as a tool for teaching botanical sciences due to their distinct morphology.
- Wedding Decor: For a spring wedding, Lady Tulips can be incorporated into thematic decor, including centerpieces and bouquets.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tulip is not commonly mentioned in classical Feng Shui practice; however, tulips can be used to add a burst of color and to invite positive chi into a space due to their association with spring and renewal. Place tulips in the Wealth corner of a home or office (the southeast area based on the bagua map) to symbolize the growth of wealth.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perfect Love: The classic tulip, particularly the red ones, is a symbol of perfect love, stemming from a Turkish legend where a prince fell in love so deeply that he took his life for love, and a red tulip grew from each droplet of his blood.
- Declaration of Love: Giving a tulip to someone is considered a declaration of love, making it a powerful symbol for those wishing to show their affection.
- Rebirth: Since tulips are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, they symbolize rebirth and the coming of new beginnings.
- Charity: The tulip's generosity in providing beauty to all who see it is sometimes equated to acts of charity, where the giving is done for the joy of others.
- Royalty: Tulips have been associated with royalty due to their lush and vibrant colors, as well as their history of being incredibly valuable during the time of "Tulip Mania" in the Dutch Golden Age.
- Forgiveness: In certain contexts, a tulip may also symbolize a request for forgiveness, or the act of forgiving someone, showing a softening of the heart and reconciliation.
WaterLady Tulip should be watered moderately during the growing season, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the active growth period in spring, water these bulbs weekly with approximately half a gallon per square yard. Reduce watering after flowering when the leaves begin to yellow and die back, as overwatering can lead to bulb rot. During dormancy in the summer, Lady Tulip requires very little to no additional water, especially if the soil is not completely dry.
LightLady Tulip thrives best in full sunlight with at least six hours of direct sun daily. However, they can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can help protect them from intense heat. The ideal spot would be an area that gets morning sunlight and afternoon shade or a spot with dappled sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureLady Tulip prefers a temperate climate and can tolerate temperatures between 35 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The bulbs require a chilling period with temperatures between 35 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage blooming in the spring. They should be protected from extreme cold and frost, with a minimum survival temperature around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningLady Tulip typically does not need extensive pruning. Remove spent flower stems after the blooms fade to prevent seed setting and to direct energy back to the bulb. After flowering, let the foliage die back naturally, as it helps to provide nutrients to the bulb for the next season. You can trim off the yellowed leaves once they have completely withered. The best time to prune is after blooming, usually in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLady Tulip thrives in soil that drains well and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of equal parts loam, sand, and compost is ideal to provide nourishment and proper drainage.
RepottingLady Tulips are perennial and do not require frequent repotting. They are typically repotted every 3-5 years when clusters become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingLady Tulip prefers moderate humidity levels but does not require specific humidity conditions, making it adaptable to typical outdoor variations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lady Tulip in bright, indirect light; ensure cool temperature.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in autumn in well-draining soil with full sun.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa clusiana 'Sheila', commonly known as Lady Tulip, begins its life cycle with a dormant, bulbous stage, during which the bulb survives underground through adverse conditions such as winter. In spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sprouts, producing narrow, lance-shaped leaves and a flower stalk that bears the classic, cup-shaped tulip flowers, typically in shades of white and pink. After blooming, the flowers are pollinated, and if successful, they produce seed pods containing seeds that can disperse and potentially grow into new plants. As the blooming period ends, the plant enters a senescence phase where the above-ground foliage dies back, allowing the bulb to store energy for the next cycle. The tulip remains in this dormant stage throughout the summer and fall until environmental cues such as temperature and daylight prompt the start of a new growth cycle. This perennial cycle repeats annually, with bulbs also having the capability to produce offset bulbs that can grow to become independent plants, thus extending the reach of the Lady Tulip over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulipa clusiana 'Sheila', commonly known as Lady Tulip, is best propagated by dividing its bulbs. The ideal time for this is when the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant, typically in late summer to autumn. To propagate, carefully dig up the tulip bulbs and gently separate any bulblets that have formed on the parent bulb. These bulblets are miniature bulbs that will develop into new plants. After separation, the bulbs should be planted immediately at a depth of about three times the height of the bulb, or around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart to ensure proper space for growth. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and by the next spring, these bulblets will sprout, leading to new Lady Tulip plants.
