Tulip Tulipa humilis Violacea Group black base (15)
ABOUT
The Tulipa humilis Violacea Group black base (15), commonly known as the tulip, is a striking and eye-catching plant mainly recognized for its beautiful flowers. The blooms exhibit a rich, vibrant hue often described as violet or purple, which gives them a royal and luxurious appearance. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of these tulips is the contrasting "black base" – the base of the inner flower petals has a deep, almost black coloring that creates a stunning visual accent against the brighter purple. The petals are shaped in a classic tulip form, which is cup-like and elegant, often with a slightly pointed tip that gives the flowers a delicate, yet pronounced silhouette. The foliage of the plant is also noteworthy; the leaves are green, typically with a narrow and elongated shape, possessing a smooth texture. The leaves sometimes present a slight glaucous bloom, meaning they can appear somewhat bluish-green with a waxy or frosty look, which complements the vibrancy of the flowers. They grow close to the ground in a basal rosette formation, creating a tidy tufted appearance around the base of the flower. The overall impression of the tulip is one of refined beauty, making it a popular choice for garden enthusiasts and those looking to add a touch of elegance to their landscapes.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Tulipa humilis Violacea Group black base does not have any common names that are widely recognized or used; it is generally referred to by its scientific name.
Common names
Tulipa humilis Violacea Group black base (15).
- Toxicity
To humans
The most common name for Tulipa humilis Violacea Group black base (15) is tulip. Tulips are generally not considered highly toxic to humans, but they do contain allergenic lactones or similar alkaloids which can cause a mild skin irritation in susceptible people. If ingested, parts of the tulip bulb can cause discomfort and may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion of larger quantities could potentially lead to more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing, an accelerated heart rate, or even convulsions. In any case of suspected poisoning, medical advice should be sought.
To pets
The common name for Tulipa humilis Violacea Group black base (15) is also tulip. Tulips are considered toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The plant contains compounds such as lactones and alkaloids that can be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of tulip poisoning in pets might include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, drooling, or even depression of the central nervous system. In severe cases, ingestion, particularly of the bulb, could lead to more serious conditions like an increase in heart rate and changes in breathing. If a pet is suspected to have ingested parts of a tulip, it is important to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Spread
2-3 inches (5-8 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Middle East
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Adds Color to Gardens: Tulipa humilis Violacea Group black base (15), commonly known as Tulip, blooms with vibrant purple flowers, providing a dramatic color contrast in spring gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity and helping with the pollination of nearby plants.
- Easy to Grow: Tulips are generally easy to cultivate and can thrive in a range of conditions, making them suitable for many gardeners, including beginners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, they can withstand periods of drought, making them suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Perfect for Containers: Tulips are well-suited to container gardening, allowing for their beauty to be displayed on patios, balconies, and other small spaces.
- Seasonal Interest: Planting tulips can provide seasonal interest and anticipation, as they are among the first flowers to bloom after winter, heralding the arrival of spring.
- Low Maintenance: Tulips require minimal care once planted, often only needing watering during prolonged dry spells and the removal of spent flowers.
- Versatile Design Element: Tulips can be planted in various patterns and combinations, making them a versatile design element for formal and informal garden settings.
- Naturalizes Well: Tulips can multiply and spread over time under the right conditions, creating a natural and expanding display each year.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Tulip petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics and textiles, with Tulipa humilis often producing shades of pink or purple depending on the mordant used.
- In art, the crushed petals of Tulipa humilis can serve as a pigment for botanical paintings, offering an authentic color derived directly from the flower itself.
- The robust stems of Tulipa humilis can be included in paper-making processes to add texture and floral elements to handmade paper products.
- During thematic gardening, the Tulipa humilis can be used in storytelling gardens to depict scenes or themes from literature and folklore.
- In eco-friendly weddings, petals or whole flowers of Tulipa humilis can be used as biodegradable confetti or table decorations, enhancing the aesthetic without harming the environment.
- The flower bulbs of the Tulipa humilis can be used in a bulb-forcing project for educational purposes, teaching students about plant growth and floral development.
- In culinary presentations, the petals of Tulipa humilis can be crystallized with sugar and used as edible decorations on desserts and cakes.
- In photography, Tulipa humilis can be a subject for macro photography due to their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, highlighting the beauty of small-scale floral details.
- For children's crafts, the dried petals and leaves of the Tulipa humilis can be used to make natural collages or for botanical scrapbooking activities.
- The Tulipa humilis can be integrated into mindfulness and meditation gardens, where their calming colors and delicate appearance support a peaceful, reflective environment.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Tulip is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: Tulips are commonly associated with perfect love. The black base of Tulipa humilis may imply a strong, deep, or enduring affection.
- Rebirth: Tulips, as harbingers of spring, symbolize renewal and the beginning of new cycles.
- Charity: Tulips, especially red ones, are linked to charity in historical emblems and symbolism, hinting at a generous nature.
- Forgiveness: Giving tulips can be a way of asking for forgiveness, with the flower acting as a declaration of regret and a plea for understanding.
- Royalty: The striking appearance of Tulipa humilis may be interpreted as a sign of nobility or an elevated state, akin to royalty.
- Fame: Tulips, particularly those with unique colors like a black base, can signify fame or being noticed in a crowd.
- Water
The botanical tulip or Tulipa humilis should be watered moderately during its growing season in spring, ensuring that the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Depending on the weather and soil conditions, watering thoroughly once a week with about half a gallon per square foot should suffice. It's important to reduce watering after the foliage has yellowed and died back post-bloom, as the bulb will enter dormancy and excess moisture can promote rot.
- Light
Botanical tulips such as Tulipa humilis prefer full sun to partial shade, thriving best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot would be in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or a place with dappled sunlight to protect the blooms from the intense afternoon sun.
- Temperature
Tulipa humilis, or botanical tulips, are hardy and can endure winter temperatures as low as 20°F to -20°F, with the ideal growing conditions being between 50°F and 70°F during their active growth in spring. They flourish when the nights are cool and the days are temperate, which encourages robust blooms.
- Pruning
Pruning of Tulipa humilis, also known as botanical tulips, is not required for the flower itself but deadheading after blooms fade can prevent seed production and encourage the plant to store energy in the bulb. Foliage should be allowed to die back naturally and should not be cut back until it has completely yellowed, which typically occurs by late spring or early summer.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Tulip 'Tulipa humilis Violacea Group black base' prefers well-draining soil with a mix of sand, loam, and compost. The ideal pH for this tulip variety is between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure healthy growth.
- Repotting
Tulip 'Tulipa humilis Violacea Group black base' bulbs should be lifted and divided every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain vigor.
- Humidity & Misting
Tulip 'Tulipa humilis Violacea Group black base' tolerates the average outdoor humidity but does not require any special humidity adjustments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Keep in a cool room with indirect light, plant in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall; choose a sunny spot with good drainage.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
- Life cycle
Tulipa humilis Violacea Group black base (15), also known as the tulip, starts its life cycle as a bulb, lying dormant underground during the winter. In the spring, it breaks dormancy, sprouting stems, leaves, and a single cup-shaped flower, which varies in color and often has a darker base. After flowering, the blooms die back, and the plant's energy is redirected to the bulb for the next year's growth cycle. In the summer, above-ground vegetation withers and the tulip enters a period of dormancy. The cycle repeats annually, with the bulb dividing and producing offsets (or daughter bulbs) which can be separated and planted to grow new tulips. Tulips can also reproduce via seeds that develop after the flowers are pollinated, but cultivation through bulbs is more common for maintaining specific varieties like the Tulipa humilis Violacea Group black base (15).
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring
Tulipa humilis Violacea Group, commonly known as the Tulip 'Violacea', is typically propagated through bulb division, which is the most popular method for this plant. This technique usually takes place in the late summer or fall, after the foliage has died back, which is the tulip's dormancy period. Dig up the bulbs carefully to avoid damage, and gently separate any small bulblets from the parent bulb. These bulblets are essentially clones of the parent plant and will grow to become new tulips. It's crucial to allow the newly separated bulbs to dry for a few days before planting them 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart and around 8 inches (20 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil with appropriate sun exposure. This helps reduce the chances of rot and gives the bulbs the best start for the following growing season.