Tulip Tulipa 'White Dream' (3)
ABOUT
The Tulipa 'White Dream' is a captivating tulip variety renowned for its pure, snowy white flowers that provide a stunning visual impact in the spring garden. Each bloom displays a classic tulip shape with elegantly formed, cupped petals that come to a slight point at the tips, giving a sense of delicate sophistication. The blooms sit atop sturdy, upright stems that hold the flowers aloft, surrounded by lush, green foliage. The leaves are typically broad and lance-shaped, adding a contrasting backdrop that highlights the striking white flowers. This tulip variety presents a fresh, pristine appearance, often appearing luminous against the fresh greens of the spring landscape, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere wherever it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Tulip, White Dream Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'White Dream'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the tulip can be toxic if ingested by humans. Tulip bulbs contain allergenic lactones and other compounds that can cause symptoms if eaten in large amounts. Eating parts of the tulip, especially the bulbs, can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it may also lead to dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or even difficulty breathing, although such extreme reactions are rare and often associated with consuming large quantities of the plant parts.
To pets
The tulip is toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. The most toxic part of the plant is the bulb. If a pet ingests part of a tulip plant, particularly the bulb, they can exhibit symptoms of poisoning, which may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and depression. Depending on the amount ingested, more severe symptoms, like an increase in heart rate, changes in respiration, or difficulty swallowing, can occur. Ingesting tulip bulbs may also lead to central nervous system depression and intense digestive upset. It is important to seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a tulip.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
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- Ornamental Appeal: The Tulipa 'White Dream' or Tulip provides aesthetic beauty with its pure white, goblet-shaped flowers, enhancing various landscape designs.
- Seasonal Interest: This tulip blooms in spring, offering seasonal interest and a signal of the end of winter, bringing joy and color to gardens.
- Pollinator Attraction: Tulips can attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, aiding in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Tulips can be planted in beds, borders, and containers, offering flexibility in landscape design and suitable for different garden layouts.
- Ease of Growth: Tulips are relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal care once the bulbs are planted in well-draining soil with adequate sunlight.
- Cut Flower Use: Tulips are popular as cut flowers due to their long stems and vibrant blooms, making them ideal for floral arrangements and bouquets.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ephemeral art installations: Artists sometimes use Tulips like the 'White Dream' variety to create temporary art displays that harness the beauty of these flowers in full bloom.
- Photography subject: The 'White Dream' Tulip is a popular subject for photographers looking to capture the delicate textures and pure color of this striking flower.
- Garden competitions: Enthusiasts may use 'White Dream' Tulips to compete in gardening or flower arrangement competitions due to their aesthetic appeal.
- Educational tool: In botany classes, the 'White Dream' Tulip can be used to teach students about plant anatomy and reproduction.
- Theme gardens: 'White Dream' Tulips can be featured in monochromatic or color-themed gardens to provide visual cohesion and impact.
- Culinary decoration: Although not for consumption, the petals of 'White Dream' Tulips can be used to add elegance to plates in high-end culinary presentations.
- Fashion inspiration: The pristine color and form of 'White Dream' Tulips can inspire clothing designs, ranging from prints to the structural silhouette of garments.
- Color therapy: The bright white color of 'White Dream' Tulips can be utilized in color therapy practices to evoke feelings of cleanliness, freshness, and peace.
- Event themes: 'White Dream' Tulips can inspire event themes, particularly for weddings and spring celebrations where white flowers symbolize new beginnings and purity.
- Perfumery: Although not a traditional use, the essence of Tulips like 'White Dream' can sometimes be incorporated into perfumes for a subtle floral note.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tulip is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The color white traditionally represents purity, innocence, and cleanliness, which is why the 'White Dream' tulip is often associated with these qualities.
- New Beginnings: As a herald of spring, tulips, in general, symbolize new beginnings and renewal. This is particularly relevant for white tulips, which often mark a fresh start or a blank slate.
- Peace: White flowers are commonly used to express peace and serenity. The 'White Dream' tulip can represent a desire for tranquility or a peaceful state of being.
- Consolation or Sympathy: Due to their gentle appearance, white tulips, including the 'White Dream' variety, may be given to convey sympathy or offer consolation in times of sadness or loss.
- Worthiness: Tulips are sometimes associated with the concept of worthiness or the idea that someone is deserving of love and attention. The pristine 'White Dream' tulip may underscore this message.
WaterTulips, including the 'White Dream' variety, need a moderate amount of water. During their active growth in the spring, water thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch, about 1 inch beneath the surface. Typically, this equates to about 0.5 gallons per square yard weekly, depending on rainfall and soil type. Once they finish blooming and the foliage starts to yellow, gradually reduce watering. Excessive water after blooming can lead to bulb rot, so it's important to allow the soil to dry out more at this stage.
LightTulips like 'White Dream' flourish best in full sunlight. They should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting these tulips would be in an area that gets unfiltered morning light and/or afternoon sun. However, in regions with exceptionally hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent the blooms from fading too quickly.
Temperature'White Dream' tulips prefer cooler climates and should be planted in areas where they can experience cool winters. The ideal temperature range for promoting tulip growth is between 35 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. These tulips can survive temperature drops down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit but sustained temperatures below this can damage or kill the plants. They generally do not perform well in regions where temperatures remain above 70 degrees Fahrenheit during their growing season.
Pruning'White Dream' tulips do not require traditional pruning. However, it's important to remove spent flowers soon after they have faded to prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production. Leave the foliage in place until it has died back naturally, as this period allows the bulb to store energy for the next growing season. Typically, this natural dieback occurs by late spring or early summer, depending on the climate.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTulips prefer well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The ideal soil mix for White Tulips would be a blend of loamy garden soil, compost, and sand to ensure good drainage. For nutrients, add bonemeal or a slow-release bulb fertilizer.
RepottingWhite Tulips, being perennial bulbs, do not need repotting. Instead, they should be lifted and divided every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingWhite Tulips tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but thrive best in outdoor conditions where the humidity is naturally regulated. They do not require high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool room.
Outdoor
Plant in autumn, full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa 'White Dream', commonly known as the White Dream Tulip, starts its life cycle as a bulb planted in the fall before the first frost. In the spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sprouts, pushing a stem, leaves, and eventually a single white bloom above the soil. After flowering, which occurs mid-spring, the plant goes through pollination, potentially with the aid of insects, leading to seed formation for those not deadheaded. As the bloom fades, the foliage photosynthesizes, creating energy that is stored in the bulb for the next season. Come early summer, the foliage yellows and dies back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy during the hotter months. In the fall, the cycle begins anew with the bulb either producing a new shoot for next year's growth or needing to be divided if the bulb has produced offsets.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulips, including the 'White Dream' variety, are predominantly propagated through the division of their bulbs. The ideal time for this is in the fall, when the bulbs are dormant, generally after the foliage has yellowed and died back, which typically happens a few months after flowering, in late summer or early autumn. To propagate by division, you should carefully lift the mature bulb clusters from the soil using a spade or fork, taking care not to damage the bulbs. Once the bulbs are out of the ground, gently separate them by hand, retaining as much of the basal plate (the bottom part of the bulb where roots grow) as possible, as this is critical for the development of new plants. After separation, each individual bulb can be replanted immediately at a depth of approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) into well-draining soil, with the pointed end facing upward. This method takes advantage of the natural reproductive cycle of tulips and is effective in producing exact genetic copies of the 'White Dream' tulip.
