Red Hunter Tulip Tulipa hageri 'Splendens' (15)
ABOUT
Tulipa hageri 'Splendens', commonly known as the tulip, is an ornamental flowering plant known for its vibrant and colorful blooms. It has a striking appearance with a classic tulip flower shape that includes six petal-like tepals. These tepals form a cup-shaped blossom that is adored for its simplicity and elegance. The color of the 'Splendens' variety is particularly eye-catching, typically showcasing shades that may include fiery reds or deep pinks with a hint of yellow at the base of the flowers, giving them a glowing effect. The leaves of this tulip are typically broad, with a smooth or sometimes glaucous surface. They are generally a rich green color, forming an attractive contrast with the radiant flowers. The foliage may appear as a rosette at the base of the stalk, supporting the solitary flower above it. Due to the hybridization, 'Splendens' may exhibit varied patterns and can feature some marginal or interior markings which add to its ornamental value. The overall visual appeal of the Tulipa hageri 'Splendens' is characterized by the combination of its enigmatic blooms and lush foliage, which adds splendor to gardens and cultivated landscapes during its blooming season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
Hager's Tulip, Splendens Tulip.
Common names
Tulipa hageri 'Splendens'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as tulip (Tulipa hageri 'Splendens') contains compounds that can be toxic to humans if ingested. While tulips are not typically considered highly poisonous, they do contain allergenic lactones and other alkaloids, particularly in the bulb. If parts of the tulip, especially the bulb, are ingested, symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth and throat. Ingesting significant quantities could lead to more serious symptoms such as dizziness, difficulty breathing, or an irregular heartbeat. Contact with the skin can also cause irritation for some individuals. It is important to seek medical attention if any part of the plant is ingested or if any serious symptoms develop.
To pets
The plant commonly known as tulip (Tulipa hageri 'Splendens') is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The primary toxic principle is thought to be allergenic lactones and other alkaloids, which are especially concentrated in the bulb. If pets ingest any part of the tulip, they might experience vomiting, depression, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and in more severe cases, an increase in heart rate and changes in respiration. The ingestion of large amounts of the plant, particularly the bulb, could potentially cause more serious effects, such as central nervous system depression or cardiac complications. It is important to contact a veterinarian if a pet ingests any part of a tulip plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
4 inches (10 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Turkey
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Tulipa hageri 'Splendens' adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens and landscapes with its bright red flowers.
- Ease of Cultivation: As a tulip variety, it is relatively easy to grow and suitable for a wide range of planting zones.
- Spring Bloom: It flowers in spring, providing early color and interest after the winter months.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flower attracts bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those seeking low-effort landscaping.
- Symbolism and Tradition: Tulips are often associated with renewal and perfect love; they can add symbolic meaning to a garden or be used in celebrations and ceremonies.
- Compact Growth Habit: Due to its compact size, it is suitable for rock gardens, borders, or container gardening.
- Perennial Growth: Being a perennial, it can regenerate for several seasons with proper care.
- Versatility in Design: Its striking appearance allows it to be a focal point or a complementary plant in garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Tulip 'Splendens' can be used by photographers as a striking natural subject or as part of a floral composition to enhance their photographs due to its vivid colors and appealing form.
- Natural Dyes: The petals of the 'Splendens' tulip can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, giving them a unique and subtle color derived from the flower’s pigments.
- Educational Tool: This tulip can be used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to teach about plant biology, hybridization, and the tulip lifecycle.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the 'Splendens' tulip as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other forms of art due to its striking appearance.
- Culinary Decoration: While not commonly consumed, tulip petals can be used to adorn dishes in upscale culinary presentations for a touch of elegance.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the 'Splendens' tulip can serve as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Floral Crafts: The 'Splendens' tulip can be incorporated into floral crafts such as wreaths, centerpieces, and other decorative items for events.
- Garden Design: This tulip variety can be used in garden designs that focus on color theory, as its vibrant colors can create striking visual contrasts when paired with other plants.
- Perfumery: While not a common source for perfumes, the essence of the 'Splendens' tulip could be explored for creating unique floral scents.
- Mood Enhancer: Displaying 'Splendens' tulips in living or workspaces can have an uplifting effect on mood, thanks to their bright colors and association with spring.
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: The tulip 'Splendens', a variant of the tulip species, often signifies perfect deep love. This symbolism comes from Turkish and Persian legends where the love between two individuals is represented by this flower.
- Declaration of Love: Presenting someone with a tulip is a way of declaring your love. It is often thought to be a comfortable and non-verbal method of expressing strong romantic feelings.
- Rebirth: As the tulip is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, it symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings. This aligns with its role in heralding the arrival of spring.
- Eternal Life: In some cultures, the tulip is a symbol of eternal life, representing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth due to its perennial nature.
- Charity: Tulips are also frequently associated with charity, likely due to their generous bloom and the wide range of colors, signifying the many aspects of charitable acts.
- Royalty: The elegant form and majestic presence of the tulip have often associated it with royalty and regal power.
- Prosperity: Because they are often seen as a symbol of abundance and indulgence, tulips can represent prosperity and wealth.
- Fame : The tulip's striking appearance can suggest fame or perfection in the eyes of others, making it a symbol for those who seek recognition.
WaterRed Tulips should be watered generously during their growing season, which typically is in the spring. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy, as overwatering can cause bulb rot. A good guideline is to provide them with about 1 inch of water each week, which translates to approximately 0.6 gallons for each square yard of soil. It's important to reduce watering once the foliage begins to yellow and die back after flowering, as the bulbs enter a dormant state.
LightRed Tulips thrive best in full sunlight to partial shade, so it's ideal to plant them in a spot where they can enjoy at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. They can tolerate some shade, but too little light can result in weak stems and poor flowering. An east- or west-facing garden bed is perfect for providing the light conditions these tulips need to flourish.
TemperatureRed Tulips prefer a temperate climate with chilly winters, as they require a cold dormancy period to bloom properly. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 20°F and can handle temperature fluctuations in spring. The ideal growing temperature range for red tulips during their active growth phase is between 50°F to 70°F.
PruningPruning red tulips involves deadheading the flowers after they bloom, to prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production. You should not cut the foliage until it has turned yellow and died back naturally; this ensures that the bulb recovers nutrients for the next season's growth. Typically, this means pruning in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Tulipa hageri 'Splendens', commonly known as 'Splendid Tulip', is well-draining, fertile loam with added organic matter such as compost. It requires neutral to slightly alkaline pH levels, around 6.5 to 7.5, to thrive.
RepottingSplendid Tulip bulbs need to be replanted or repotted every autumn. These bulbs should be lifted after the foliage has died back and replanted before the first frost.
Humidity & MistingSplendid Tulips are hardy and do not require high humidity levels; average outdoor humidity is suitable for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and plant in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with full sun in autumn.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleTulipa hageri 'Splendens', commonly known as Splendid Tulip, begins its lifecycle with seed germination, which occurs in late spring or early summer, depending on the climate. After germination, a bulb forms, which will become dormant during the hot summer months. The plant emerges from dormancy in the fall, as the temperatures cool and the rains begin, initiating the vegetative growth stage where leaves, stem, and then the flower bud develop. The Splendid Tulip typically flowers in early to mid-spring, showcasing its vibrant, red or pink blossoms. Once flowering is complete, the plant enters a senescence phase where the leaves and stems die back, and the bulb re-enters dormancy to survive the dry summer period. This perennial cycle repeats annually, with the bulb producing offsets over time to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulipa hageri 'Splendens', commonly known as Tulip, is popularly propagated through its bulbs. The optimal time for this process is in the fall, when the temperature begins to cool, typically around September to October. To propagate, one should carefully dig up and separate the bulbs from the parent plant once the foliage has died back. Each individual bulb can then be replanted at a depth that is about three times the height of the bulb, approximately 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for root development and growth. It is crucial to ensure that the new location has good drainage and receives full sun to partial shade to encourage successful cultivation of new Tulipa hageri 'Splendens' plants.
