Tulip Tulipa humilis Violacea Group yellow base (15)
ABOUT
The Tulipa humilis Violacea Group yellow base, commonly known as tulip, is recognized for its attractive and showy flowers. This variety features blooms that show a striking interplay of colors. The petals exhibit hues of violet or purple, which gracefully encase a vibrant yellow base, creating a remarkable contrast that catches the eye. The tulip’s flower shape is typical of the species, showcasing a cup-like form which, when open, can appear almost star-like. The edges of the petals may have a subtle, delicate frill, adding to the overall elegance of the bloom. The leaves of this tulip are usually lance-shaped, boasting a rich green color that neatly frames the floral display. The plant produces sturdy stems that hold the flowers aloft, allowing the blossoms to make a strong visual impact in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Persian Tulip, Tulipa humilis Violacea, Dwarf Tulip
Common names
Tulipa humilis Violacea Group yellow base (15).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as tulip (Tulipa humilis) can be toxic if ingested by humans. The bulb is the most toxic part of the plant and contains compounds like glycosides and alkaloids that can cause symptoms if ingested. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. In severe cases, consuming tulip bulbs can lead to cardiac complications or central nervous system effects. It is important to keep tulip bulbs out of reach of children and to handle them with care to avoid any potential skin irritation.
To pets
Tulips (Tulipa humilis) are toxic to pets if any part of the plant is ingested, with the bulb being the most poisonous. Symptoms of tulip poisoning in pets, particularly dogs and cats, include gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases, animals may experience increased heart rate, changes in breathing, and central nervous system depression. Ingestion of a sizable quantity of tulip bulbs could potentially lead to more serious conditions, such as seizures or cardiac complications. If you suspect your pet has ingested tulip bulbs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Spread
2-4 inches (5-10 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Tulipa humilis adds vibrant color and unique forms to gardens with its distinctive yellow-based violet flowers.
- Spring Bloomer: It blooms in early spring, providing one of the first splashes of color after winter.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright blooms attract bees and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Being a relatively hardy plant, it requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and containers.
- Naturalizing: Over time, Tulipa humilis can spread and naturalize in the landscape, slowly creating larger displays of color.
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: The Tulipa humilis can add a splash of color to macro or garden photography, making it an ideal subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty of plants.
- Creative dye: The petals of the Tulipa humilis can be used to extract natural colorants for artistic activities like fabric dyeing or watercolor painting.
- Educational tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant biology, pollination, and the early spring flora of certain regions.
- Floral arrangements: The vibrant blooms can be utilized in floral arrangements and decorative bouquets for events or as a way to bring spring indoors.
- Garden design: Tulipa humilis can be used in rock gardens or as a border plant to create visually captivating garden designs with its contrasting yellow base.
- Gift plant: It can be grown in a small pot as a living gift for plant enthusiasts or as an alternative to cut flowers for special occasions.
- Culinary decoration: Edible varieties can be used as an ornamental addition to salads and desserts, although it's essential to confirm edibility and absence of pesticides before consumption.
- Craft material: The sturdy stems and blooms can be used in arts and crafts, such as making homemade paper or pressed flower projects.
- Petal confetti: Dried petals of Tulipa humilis can be used as natural, biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Seasonal marker: The blooming of Tulipa humilis can be utilized as a natural indicator of seasonal change, especially in educational programs focused on phenology or climate change studies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe tulip is not commonly used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Tulips are often associated with perfect or deep love. Because of the full range of colors and the beautiful shape of the bloom, tulips are often used to express one's feelings to another in a romantic way.
- Rebirth: As a herald of spring, tulips, including the Tulipa humilis, symbolize new beginnings and rebirth. They're one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, marking the end of winter and the arrival of warmer, sunnier days ahead.
- Royalty: The regal appearance of tulips, with their bold colors and upright posture, can represent royalty or a regal bearing. This ties back to their historical significance in places like the Ottoman Empire, where they were highly prized.
- Charity: Yellow tulips, including those with a yellow base like the Tulipa humilis Violacea Group yellow base, can symbolize happiness, cheerfulness, and hope. They are given to convey caring thoughts and to bring sunshine to someone's day.
- Fame: Tulips can also symbolize fame and being a perfect lover. The shape and stature of tulips can signify a person's status and that they are perceived as being a famous individual to the giver.
WaterTulip 'Violacea' should be watered thoroughly during the growing season, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During active growth in the spring, water your tulips with approximately 1 gallon per week for every 2 square feet of soil. Decrease watering after the foliage begins to die back post-flowering, as tulips enter dormancy and excessive water can cause bulb rot. Resume regular watering when you see new growth in the next season. Over the dormant summer period, keep the soil mostly dry.
LightTulip 'Violacea' thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. They should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. Plant them in a spot where they are exposed to the morning sun and have some protection from the intense afternoon sun if possible. Adequate light is essential for strong stems and vibrant blooms.
TemperatureTulip 'Violacea' prefers cooler climates, thriving in temperatures ranging between 35 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief periods of frost and cold down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from prolonged extreme cold. The ideal temperature for promoting tulip growth is between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is typical of spring weather in temperate regions.
PruningPruning Tulip 'Violacea' is not required, but removing spent flowers after blooming encourages the plant to direct energy to the bulb rather than seed production. Prune by cutting back the flower stem to the base after the petals fall off. Leave the foliage in place until it has died back naturally, usually by late spring to early summer, as this period is critical for the bulb to store energy for the next flowering season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTulip 'Tulipa humilis' prefers well-drained, sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of about 6.5 to 7.0. A soil mix ideal for tulips consists of one-third sand, one-third compost, and one-third topsoil to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingTulip 'Tulipa humilis' typically does not require repotting as they grow from bulbs that are planted in autumn and can remain in the ground for several years. After flowering, the bulbs can be lifted and divided if desired, though this is not often necessary yearly.
Humidity & MistingTulip 'Tulipa humilis' is tolerant of the varying humidity levels found in outdoor environments and does not require specific humidity conditions for successful growth, making it adaptable to typical outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and plant in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in autumn, full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Tulipa humilis Violacea Group yellow base, commonly known as Tulip, begins with bulb planting, ideally in the fall, a few weeks before the frost sets in. After planting, the bulb enters a period of dormancy through the cold winter months. With the arrival of spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, triggered by rising temperatures, and the tulip starts to sprout, with a stem, leaves, and flower bud emerging from the soil. The tulip blooms in early to mid-spring, displaying its vibrant flowers, which can last for several weeks before the petals drop. After the flowering stage, the plant focuses on energy storage, redirecting resources to the bulb to prepare for the next growing season; the leaves die back as the plant enters senescence. The bulb then lies dormant again through the summer and the cycle repeats with the onset of another fall planting season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Tulipa humilis, commonly known as the tulip or species tulip, is by separating and planting the offsets or daughter bulbs that form around the base of the mother bulb. This is typically carried out in the late summer or early fall when the plant is dormant. Gardeners should gently dig up the bulbs, being careful not to damage them, and then remove the offsets which will have formed at the base of the main bulb. These offsets can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters), spaced about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. With proper care, these offsets will grow and mature into blooming plants within a couple of years.
