Tulip Tulipa 'Temple of Beauty' (5)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'Temple of Beauty', commonly known as the Temple of Beauty tulip, is a striking plant that captivates with its vibrant and large blossoms. Each flower is remarkable, often boasting a flared, cup-shaped form that radiates elegance. The petals have a silky texture and exhibit a blend of colors, with shades typically ranging from a warm, inviting apricot to a sunlit golden hue. At the base of the petals, a deeper, contrasting color such as a rich orange or red may be evident, adding depth and intrigue to the bloom. The edges of the petals may also showcase a delicate frill, somewhat reminiscent of fine lace. The striking flowers sit atop sturdy, green stems that are dressed in verdant, lance-shaped leaves. These leaves provide a lush backdrop, making the blossoms stand out even more prominently. As the plant matures, it forms an impressive display that is a standout in any garden setting, attracting attention with its radiant flowers that seem to capture the essence of a beautiful, serene temple.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Temple of Beauty Tulip, Temple of Beauty
Common names
Tulipa 'Temple of Beauty'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the tulip is not considered highly toxic to humans, but it can cause irritation and discomfort if ingested. Most parts of the tulip contain allergenic lactones and other potentially irritating compounds such as tulipalin A and B. If ingested, the bulb, which is the most toxic part, may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. Contact with the skin can sometimes lead to dermatitis for sensitive individuals.
To pets
Tulips are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The toxin responsible for this is primarily concentrated in the bulb of the plant. If a pet ingests part of a tulip, they could experience symptoms of poisoning such as gastrointestinal upset, drooling, an increase in heart rate, changes in respiratory rate, and even depression of the central nervous system in severe cases. If a pet consumes a significant quantity of tulip bulbs, it can lead to more severe symptoms and could be potentially fatal, necessitating immediate veterinary care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Tulip 'Temple of Beauty' offers a striking visual display with its tall stems and large, brightly colored flowers, making it an attractive addition to gardens and floral arrangements.
- Pollinator Attraction: This tulip variety can attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity and the health of the surrounding ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming in the spring, Tulip 'Temple of Beauty' provides a burst of color after a long winter, signaling the arrival of warmer weather and adding seasonal interest to the landscape.
- Easy to Grow: Generally low maintenance, these tulips are suitable for novice gardeners and those looking for easy-care plant options.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for planting in flower beds, borders, and containers, they are versatile and can be used in a variety of garden designs and layouts.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The dried petals of tulips can be used as a natural source of dye for fabrics, delivering a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- Tulip petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures for their color and, although subtle, their scent, contributing to a delicate aroma.
- Crushed tulip petals mixed with a few drops of essential oil can create a natural, fragrant bath soak.
- Tulip bulbs have been historically used as a food source during times of famine, although they are not commonly consumed today.
- As a non-traditional canvas, tulip petals can be used for delicate paintings or as part of a floral collage in art pieces.
- In the craft world, pressed tulip petals can be used for creating decorative bookmarks or in scrapbooking.
- Dried tulip blossoms can be used to make eco-friendly confetti for celebrations such as weddings or eco-aware events.
- Whole tulip flowers can be dipped in wax to create decorative, long-lasting floral arrangements and centerpieces.
- Tulip petals can be used to decorate fancy dishes in high-end restaurants for an edible floral garnish.
- The hollow stems of tulips can serve as tiny natural vases for single small flowers or as part of a creative miniature flower arrangement.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe tulip can be used in Feng Shui to attract love, enhance personal chi, and bring positive energy into the home. In particular, pink or red tulips are often associated with love and happiness, making them ideal for the bedroom or love area of a home.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Tulips are traditionally associated with perfect love, and the 'Temple of Beauty' variety, with its stunning and large flowers, represents a grand and passionate love.
- Rebirth: As a herald of spring, tulips, including the 'Temple of Beauty', symbolize renewal and the rebirth that comes with the changing of seasons.
- Royalty: Given its regal name and impressive appearance, the 'Temple of Beauty' tulip is often seen as a symbol of elegance and nobility.
- Prosperity: In historical contexts, tulips have been associated with wealth, especially during the time of 'Tulip Mania' in the Netherlands, and this variety with its luxurious look can similarly signify abundance.
- Fame: 'Temple of Beauty', with its standout blooms that command attention, can be a symbol of fame or receiving accolades, much like a temple that stands as a monument to greatness.
WaterThe Tulip 'Temple of Beauty' should be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once a week during the active growing season. During the dormant period, after the foliage has died back, watering should be reduced to minimal or suspended entirely to prevent bulb rot. It's best to provide about one inch of water, using a soaker hose or drip irrigation to apply the water directly to the soil, rather than overhead watering which can leave moisture on the leaves and potentially lead to fungal diseases. Adjust the amount based on rain frequency, aiming for a total of about one gallon per square foot over the course of a month during the growing season.
LightThe Tulip 'Temple of Beauty' thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. It's best to place them in a spot where they will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If they are planted under trees, they should receive dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade to ensure they bloom well.
TemperatureThe Tulip 'Temple of Beauty' prefers cool spring weather with daytime temperatures around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Bulbs can survive winter cold down to about -40 degrees Fahrenheit but should be planted at least 8 inches deep to provide insulation. Ideal growing conditions are provided during the spring when temperatures are within the 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit range.
PruningTulip 'Temple of Beauty' requires pruning to remove spent flowers and stems after blooming to promote energy storage in the bulbs rather than seed production. This typically happens in late spring or early summer. Pruning should be done as soon as the flowers fade, cutting back the flower stalks to the base, but leaving the foliage until it has yellowed and died back naturally.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTulip 'Temple of Beauty' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of equal parts loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure creates an ideal growing medium for these bulbs.
RepottingTulips, such as the 'Temple of Beauty', are generally not repotted but are replanted annually. Bulbs should be lifted after foliage has died back and stored until the fall planting season.
Humidity & MistingTulip 'Temple of Beauty' prefers outdoor conditions where humidity is typically not a problem. These plants do not require specific humidity levels to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in well-draining soil with bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full sun, well-draining soil, cool conditions.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Temple of Beauty tulip begins its life cycle when the bulb is planted in the ground, typically in the fall, several weeks before the ground freezes. Throughout the winter, the bulb remains dormant, storing energy for spring growth. In early to mid-spring, the tulip bulb breaks dormancy and sprouts, developing a stem, leaves, and eventually a single large, brightly colored flower. After flowering, the tulip goes through pollination and may develop seeds if pollinators have visited the flower, although many gardeners remove spent flowers to encourage bulb growth. By late spring to early summer, the foliage yellows and dies back as the plant enters a period of dormancy; during this phase, the bulb replenishes its energy reserves. The bulb remains underground until the next growth cycle begins, with some tulips producing offsets or daughter bulbs that can be separated and planted to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Tulip 'Temple of Beauty' is through bulb division, which is typically done in the fall after the leaves have yellowed and died back. Gardeners should carefully dig up the tulip bulbs, brush off the soil, and remove any offsets, which are the small bulbs forming at the base of the parent bulb. These offsets can be replanted immediately or stored in a cool, dry place until planting time. It's important to plant them at a depth three times the height of the bulb, which is generally around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), and space them about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart to ensure they have ample room to grow. This vegetative method of propagation ensures that the new plants will be true to the parent plant's characteristics.
