Tulip Tulipa urumiensis 'Tity's Star' (15)
ABOUT
'Tity's Star' is a variety of tulip with a unique and striking appearance. The blooms of this tulip feature petals that are elegantly shaped, spreading outwards to create a star-like silhouette. Each petal showcases a blend of colors that transition gracefully from one hue to another, typically featuring a vivid base color that may fade into a different shade towards the edges. The center of the flower is often a contrasting color with reproductive parts that add to the visual interest of the bloom. The foliage of 'Tity's Star' tulips is also noteworthy, with leaves that are typically a rich green, sometimes having a waxy or glaucous sheen. The plant's overall form is upright and boasts a singular bloom per stalk, with the leaves embracing the base, creating an attractive backdrop which further accentuates the beauty of the flower.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
Tulip, Tity's Star Tulip.
Common names
Tulipa urumiensis 'Tity's Star'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Tulipa urumiensis 'Tity's Star' is tulip. While tulips are not highly toxic to humans, they can cause mild to moderate symptoms if ingested. The plant parts, especially the bulb, contain allergenic lactones and other glycosides which can cause irritation in the mouth and throat, upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the bulbs may also cause allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of tulips and to wash hands after handling the bulbs to prevent any potential irritation.
To pets
The common name of Tulipa urumiensis 'Tity's Star' is tulip. Tulips are toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. The toxic components are concentrated in the bulbs, but all parts of the plant can be harmful if ingested. If a pet ingests tulip, symptoms of poisoning might include gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea, drooling, and in severe cases, an increase in heart rate and changes in respiration. It is crucial to keep tulips away from pets and seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
0.5-1.5 feet (15-45 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Middle East
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Aesthetics - Tulipa urumiensis 'Tity's Star' provides a splash of color to gardens and landscapes with its star-shaped flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators - This tulip variety can attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Cultural Symbolism - Tulips are often associated with perfect love and fame, making them a valuable addition for those interested in symbolic gardening.
- Seasonal Interest - As a spring-flowering bulb, it adds seasonal interest to gardens after the winter months.
- Educational Value - Planting and caring for Tulipa urumiensis 'Tity's Star' in a garden can provide educational opportunities for children and adults learning about botany and horticulture.
- Gift Potential - Tulip bulbs, including 'Tity's Star,' are popular gifts symbolizing new beginnings and can be given for various occasions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography projects: The unique pattern and color of the tulip can provide an interesting subject for photographers, especially macro photographers who want to capture fine details of the flower.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists can use 'Tity's Star' tulip as a muse for painting, sketching, or even sculpting, creating botanical art inspired by the flower's beauty.
- Educational tool: The tulip can be used in botany classes to teach students about hybridization, genetics, and plant breeding, as 'Tity's Star' is a cultivated variety.
- Themed garden designs: Gardeners can design a star-themed garden space, incorporating 'Tity's Star' tulips as a highlight due to their star-like appearance.
- Floral jewelry: The petals of 'Tity's Star' tulip can be incorporated into handmade jewelry, such as in resin pendants or petal earrings.
- Culinary presentations: While not for consumption, the tulip's blooms can be used as an alluring garnish for upscale culinary dishes in high-end restaurants.
- Mood setting: The tulip's vibrant color can set the mood for special events or settings, creating an atmosphere of cheer and elegance.
- Wedding decor: The flowers can be used for decorative elements in weddings, fitting a color scheme or as part of a unique bouquet or centerpiece.
- Fabric design: The unique pattern of the tulip can be printed onto fabrics for clothing, curtains, or upholstery, providing a botanical aesthetic to textiles.
- Seasonal festivals: The flower can be featured in spring festivals or parades, celebrated for its bloom coinciding with the season's theme of renewal and growth.
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: Tulips are often associated with perfect and deep love. The Tulipa urumiensis 'Tity's Star', like other tulips, could represent an ideal love that is strong and unwavering.
- Rebirth: Spring blooming characterizes tulips, making them symbols of rebirth and new beginnings.
- Royalty: The distinctive and bold appearance of 'Tity's Star' may suggest regality and a sense of royalty, attributes often given to tulips due to their historic popularity in royal courts.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In the 17th century, during the time of "Tulip Mania," tulips were highly valuable and came to symbolize wealth and prosperity, a connotation that can still be relevant for 'Tity's Star'.
- Forgiveness: Giving a tulip, including the Tulipa urumiensis 'Tity's Star', is sometimes seen as a gesture of seeking forgiveness or expressing regret.
WaterFor 'Tity's Star' tulips, watering should be moderate, ensuring the soil is slightly moist but never waterlogged. It's essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to bulb rot. During the growing season, a general rule is to water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which may mean watering once every week, with roughly half a gallon for smaller groupings of tulips or up to 2 gallons for larger beds. However, frequency can vary depending on rainfall and temperature. After the blooming period, reduce watering to encourage the foliage to die back naturally.
Light'Tity's Star' tulips flourish best in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. They prefer to bask in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, making a south or west-facing garden bed an ideal location. In areas with hotter climates, a location with morning sun and afternoon shade can prevent the flowers from fading quickly due to excessive heat.
Temperature'Tity's Star' tulips prefer cooler temperature conditions and can survive in minimum temperatures down to about 20°F (-6°C) during their dormancy in the winter. They thrive best when the daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F during the growing season. Ideal conditions for blossoming occur in spring, with cooler nighttime temperatures not dropping below 40°F.
PruningPruning 'Tity's Star' tulips is mainly about deadheading spent flowers to redirect energy to the bulb, which is important for next year's growth. Once the blooms fade, cut back the flower stalks but leave the foliage until it turns yellow and dies back, which typically occurs by late spring or early summer. There is no need for regular pruning outside of this post-bloom care.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Tulip 'Tity's Star' is well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). A mix of equal parts potting soil, sand, and organic compost or well-rotted manure would support its growth.
RepottingTulip 'Tity's Star' typically does not require frequent repotting; repot only when the bulbs outgrow their space, usually every 3-5 years after the foliage has died back.
Humidity & MistingTulip 'Tity's Star' grows best in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and does not require high humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in bright indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa urumiensis 'Tiny's Star', commonly known as wild tulip, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which undergoes a period of dormancy typically in the summer months when conditions are not conducive for growth. In the fall, with cooler temperatures and autumn rains, the bulb breaks dormancy and roots begin to develop. As winter progresses, a shoot emerges from the bulb and forms leaves and a stem as it prepares for spring flowering. By spring, the plant blooms, producing its distinctive flowers that can vary in color, including shades unique to the 'Tiny's Star' cultivar. Following pollination by insects attracted to its flowers, the plant sets seed and eventually the foliage dies back, redirecting energy back to the bulb for the next cycle. The bulb then re-enters dormancy until the next favorable growth period begins, repeating the life cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulipa urumiensis 'Tity's Star', commonly known as the Urumien Tulip, is typically propagated by dividing the bulb offsets. This method involves the separation of small bulblets that form around the base of the mature bulb. It is best done when the bulb is dormant, usually in late summer to autumn after the foliage has died back. Carefully dig up the bulbs and gently remove the offsets from the mother bulb. Offsets should be large enough to have their own roots. Plant the offsets about 8 inches (20 centimeters) apart and 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters) deep, with the pointy end facing upwards. This allows the new plants to establish themselves over the winter and emerge in the spring.
