Tulip Tulipa 'Tender Whisper' (3)
ABOUT
The Tulipa 'Tender Whisper' is a variety of tulip known for its unique and striking appearance. This plant produces elegant flowers that captivate the eye. Each blossom is characterized by a classic tulip shape with a smooth, cupped form that gently opens from a narrow base to a wider, flared top. The petals exhibit a soft color palette, often presenting a delicate blend of hues that can include soft pinks, warm apricots, or creamy yellows, which may transition to a more intense tone at the edges. The tips of the petals might be accentuated with a subtle fringe or may display a fine, ruffled edge, adding to the overall grace of the flower. Tulipa 'Tender Whisper' boasts a sturdy stem that supports the flower well above the foliage. The leaves are typically a rich green, sometimes with a subtle glaucous hue, and have a lanceolate shape with smooth edges. These sleek leaves form a low clump at the base of the stem, providing a contrasting backdrop that highlights the beauty of the blooms above. As the plant progresses through its blooming period, the flowers can change in color and shape, offering a dynamic display. The Tulipa 'Tender Whisper' is celebrated for its ability to bring a gentle, romantic touch to any garden space, capturing the essence of spring with its tender and whimsical presence.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Tender Whisper Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'Tender Whisper'
ToxicityTo humans
Tulips, including the Tulipa 'Tender Whisper', are considered to have low toxicity to humans. However, if ingested, parts of the tulip, particularly the bulb, can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to the presence of compounds like tulipalin A and B. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to symptoms like dizziness, difficulty breathing, and an accelerated heart rate. Contact with the plant can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
For pets, tulips can be more hazardous. The plant, especially the bulb, contains allergenic lactones like tulipalin A and B which can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by animals. Symptoms of tulip poisoning in pets might include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In severe cases, it can lead to depression of the central nervous system, convulsions, and even cardiac abnormalities. It is important for pet owners to prevent their pets from ingesting any part of a tulip plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Beautification: Adds color and aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes with its soft pink blooms.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees and other pollinators, which are vital for the ecosystem and help in plant reproduction.
- Ease of Maintenance: Low maintenance requirements make it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides a splash of color in the spring, enlivening the garden after a long winter.
- Adaptability: Can thrive in a variety of soil types as long as they are well-draining.
- Bulb Perennialization: Can come back year after year if the bulbs are planted appropriately and cared for.
- Forcing Capability: Can be grown indoors with special preparation, allowing for enjoyment of flowers outside of the natural season.
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 as a natural fabric dye, providing a range of colors from soft peach to vibrant yellows depending on the mordant used.
- The bulb of the tulip can sometimes be used as a substitute for onions in cooking, although one should ensure they are non-toxic and edible before use.
- Tulip glasses, inspired by the shape of tulip flowers, are specifically designed for certain types of beer, enhancing the aroma and taste of the drink.
- Pulverized tulip petals can be mixed with other ingredients to create a natural blush or lipstick, giving a light pink hue to the product.
- Dried tulip petals can be incorporated into homemade soaps for exfoliation and adding a natural floral scent.
- Tulip petals can be used in crafting, such as making floral beads by grinding the petals into a paste, shaping, and allowing them to dry.
- The strong, distinctive shape of tulip petals can be used as stencils or patterns in the art of paper cutting or creating silhouette arts.
- Tulip bulbs, when properly prepared, can be used to make a starchy paste that can serve as a natural adhesive for light paper projects.
- Decomposing tulip plant matter can be added to compost heaps as a source of organic matter that enriches the soil with nutrients as it breaks down.
- Tulip petals can be crystallized with sugar and used as elegant, edible decorations for desserts and pastries.
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 'Tender Whisper' is a variety of tulip, and tulips commonly symbolize perfect or deep love, representing a lover's heart enflamed by passion.
- Rebirth: As a spring flower that's one of the first to bloom, tulips generally signify rebirth and the coming of spring, which correlates with fresh starts and new beginnings.
- Royalty: Historically, the tulip's majestic appearance and association with wealth during the period of "Tulip Mania" may denote nobility and a regal bearing.
- Fame: Associated with the flower's historical value and prominence, tulips can be a symbol of fame or being in the spotlight.
WaterTulips, including the 'Tender Whisper' variety, require watering during their growth period, usually in the spring. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. During active growth, water tulips with about 1 inch of water each week, which translates to about 0.62 gallons for each square yard of the soil surface. Once the tulips have bloomed and the leaves begin to yellow, watering can be reduced as the plants enter a dormant state.
LightTulips, such as 'Tender Whisper,' thrive best in full sunlight. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to perform well. The best spot for these tulips is an area that receives early morning sunlight, which is less harsh than the afternoon sun, as this helps preserve the blooms for a longer time. However, they can still grow adequately in partial shade, especially in regions with very hot climates.
TemperatureTulips like 'Tender Whisper' prefer cool to moderate temperatures and are best suited for climates with cool springs. The ideal temperature range for these bulbs is between 35 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive winter chills down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Once planted in the fall, tulips require a period of cold dormancy, which makes them suitable for growing in USDA zones 3 through 8.
PruningPruning or deadheading 'Tender Whisper' tulips is important for aesthetic reasons and to prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production. After the tulips have bloomed and the petals begin to fall, snip off the flower head but leave the foliage intact. The leaves should be allowed to die back naturally as they feed the bulb for the next season. Prune tulips as soon as the flowers fade to direct the plant's energy to the bulb.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTulips thrive in a well-draining, sandy soil mix with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of around 6.5 to 7.0. Amend garden soil with compost and sand to improve texture and fertility.
RepottingTulips, as perennial bulbs, don't need repotting. They are planted in the ground or in pots and left to bloom annually without transplanting, usually every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingTulips require a moderate level of humidity and benefit from being planted in open, non-humid environments where air circulation can prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place tulips in a cool, bright spot.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil in fall.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Tulipa 'Tender Whisper', commonly known as the tulip, starts its life as a bulb planted in the fall before the first frost. As winter transitions into spring, the tulip bulb breaks dormancy, sending up shoots and leaves, followed by a single flower stalk as temperatures warm. The flower blooms in mid to late spring, showcasing its delicate petals in a spectrum of possible colors. After the tulip flowers, it enters a period of senescence; the petals fall away and the plant focuses energy on replenishing the bulb for the next season. Throughout the summer, the foliage also dies back, and the plant goes dormant once again underground. The bulb remains dormant through the hot summer months until the cycle starts anew in the fall.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method for propagating tulips, specifically the Tulipa 'Tender Whisper' variety, is through bulb division. This is best done in the fall, when these perennials are dormant. The process involves carefully digging up the mature bulbs from the ground and gently separating the smaller offset bulbs, known as bulblets, that have formed on the base of the mother bulb. These offsets can be replanted immediately, ensuring they are placed at a depth three times their height in well-draining soil. With adequate water and cool resting period, these bulblets will develop roots and in the following spring, they will emerge as new tulip plants, faithfully producing blooms similar to the parent plant. It is important to allow the foliage of the parent plant to die back naturally before digging up the bulbs, as this allows the bulb to store energy for the next growing season.
