Orphanidea Tulip Tulipa orphanidea Whittallii Group
ABOUT
The Orphanidea Tulip is known for its vibrant and colorful flowers, typically orange or red with a yellow base. The petals are cup-shaped and create an eye-catching display during their blooming season. The leaves of the plant are green, elongated, and have a slightly wavy margin, which gracefully surrounds the base of the stem. This tulip variety is particularly noted for its striking color contrast and the glossy texture of its petals, making it a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Orphanidea Tulip, Red Tulip, Whittall's Tulip, Mountain Tulip
Common names
Tulipa Whittallii, Tulipa Hageri
ToxicityTo humans
The Orphanidea Tulip is considered mildly toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant, especially the bulb, can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with the plant's sap may also lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. While the petals are less toxic and sometimes used as garnish, it is generally advised to avoid consuming any part of the Orphanidea Tulip due to its potential toxicity.
To pets
The Orphanidea Tulip is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingesting any part of the plant, particularly the bulb, can lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, and central nervous system depression. In severe cases, ingestion can result in cardiac abnormalities and convulsions. It is important to keep pets away from this plant and seek veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange, Red, Yellow
Height
1 feet 3 inches (0.38 meters)
Spread
6 inches (0.15 meters)
Plant type
Bulbs
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Turkey, Greece
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Orphanidea Tulip is highly valued for its striking colors and unique flower shape, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Cultural Significance: The plant has a symbolic value in many cultures, often associated with love and beauty, making it a popular choice for public and private gardens.
- Pollinator Attraction: The vibrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and aiding in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Seasonal Interest: Orphanidea Tulip blooms in spring, providing a seasonal highlight and marking the transition from winter to spring in the garden.
- Easy Cultivation: This tulip variety is known for being relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: Orphanidea Tulip is often used in cut flower arrangements due to its vibrant colors and unique appearance, adding a touch of elegance to bouquets and vases.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, specifically bulb growth and flower development.
- Photography Subject: Its striking appearance makes it a popular subject for photographers, especially during the blooming season.
- Garden Design: Orphanidea Tulip is used in garden design for color theming, as it provides a strong color contrast against green foliage.
- Event Decoration: The tulips are used for decorating venues during springtime events like weddings and festivals.
- Crafts: Petals and bulbs are sometimes used in crafts for making natural dyes or botanical prints.
- Cultural Festivals: This tulip variety is often featured in flower festivals and garden shows, celebrating its beauty and diversity.
- Companion Planting: Orphanidea Tulip is used in companion planting to enhance the growth of certain other plants in gardens.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly used, the petals can occasionally serve as an edible garnish for special dishes, adding color and a mild flavor.
- Wildlife Habitat: When planted in outdoor settings, these tulips can provide shelter and food for small wildlife, particularly during the blooming season.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Orphanidea Tulip is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Orphanidea Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Passion: Orphanidea Tulip is often associated with deep love and passion, making it a popular choice for romantic gestures and gifts.
- Rebirth and Renewal: Symbolizing the onset of spring, it represents rebirth and new beginnings, often used in celebrations of change and growth.
- Perfect Love: The vibrant and perfect shape of the flower is seen as a symbol of perfect love, used in various cultural ceremonies and traditions.
- Transient Nature of Life: Due to its brief blooming period, the Orphanidea Tulip is also a reminder of the transient and fleeting nature of life.
WaterOrphanidea Tulips should be watered deeply and infrequently to mimic natural rainfall. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. During the growing season, water the tulips every week with about 1 gallon of water per square foot. Reduce watering once the flowers have faded and the leaves begin to yellow. Overwatering, especially when the bulbs are dormant, can lead to bulb rot.
LightOrphanidea Tulips thrive in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot is one where the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. These tulips can also grow under light shade, but too much shade can lead to weak stems and fewer blooms. Avoid placing them in heavily shaded areas to ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
TemperatureOrphanidea Tulips prefer a temperate climate. They can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 20°F and summer temperatures up to 75°F. The ideal temperature range for growing these tulips is between 50°F and 70°F. They require a period of cold dormancy, so winter chill is necessary for the bulbs to bloom in spring.
PruningPruning Orphanidea Tulips involves deadheading the flowers after they have faded to direct energy back to the bulb. Remove the spent flower heads but leave the foliage until it turns yellow and dies back. This process usually takes place in late spring or early summer. Pruning the foliage too early can weaken the bulb for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilOrphanidea Tulips thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and sand or perlite is ideal for ensuring good drainage. Add a layer of mulch to help maintain soil moisture and temperature. Avoid soil that retains too much water, as this can cause bulb rot.
RepottingOrphanidea Tulips should be repotted every 3 to 5 years. The best time for repotting is in the fall, after the foliage has died back and the bulbs are dormant. When repotting, choose a larger pot if the bulbs are crowded and refresh the soil mix to provide nutrients for growth.
Humidity & MistingOrphanidea Tulips do not require high humidity levels. Average room humidity is sufficient for these tulips. It's more important to focus on proper watering and soil drainage than on adjusting humidity levels for these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in well-lit area, use well-drained soil, water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water weekly, mulch in winter.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleOrphanidea Tulips begin their life cycle as bulbs planted in the fall. These bulbs undergo a period of winter dormancy, which is crucial for the development of the flower. In early spring, the bulbs sprout and the plant starts to grow, first developing leaves and then the stem. By mid-spring, the vibrant flowers bloom, showcasing their distinct colors. After flowering, the petals fall off and the plant enters a period of senescence, where the leaves turn yellow and wither. The plant then goes dormant again in summer, remaining underground until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
Orphanidea Tulips are typically propagated through division of their bulbs. This is best done in late summer or early autumn. Carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate any bulblets attached to the mother bulb. Each bulblet has the potential to grow into a new plant. Plant these bulblets immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15.24 cm) and space them approximately 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) apart. Ensure the planting site has well-drained soil and receives adequate sunlight. Water the newly planted bulbs sparingly to prevent rot, and they will begin to grow the following spring.
PestsAphid, Slugs and snails
DiseasesBotrytis cinerea, Grey mold
