Waterlily Tulip Tulipa kaufmanniana (12)
ABOUT
Tulipa kaufmanniana, commonly known as the waterlily tulip, is a plant that bears a striking resemblance to its namesake waterlilies due to the shape of its flowers. It is characterized by its star-shaped blossoms when fully open, displaying a broad range of warm colors such as creams, yellows, oranges, and even light reds, often with a variably colored base. The inside of the flower commonly features a different hue or blend of colors compared to the exterior, and may also display markings or mottling, adding to its visual interest. The petals are broad and somewhat squarish with rounded edges, adding to the waterlily-like appearance of the flowers when viewed from above. The plant's foliage is a blue-green color which forms a clump of leathery, lance-shaped leaves that may display a wavy or curly texture, offering a decorative effect even when the plant is not in bloom. The overall presence of this plant during its flowering season is one of distinctive and attractive floral display that stands out in gardens and cultivated settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Waterlily Tulip, Kaufmann's Tulip
Common names
Orithyia kaufmanniana, Tulipa fosteriana var. kaufmanniana.
ToxicityTo humans
Waterlily tulip is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, parts of the plant, especially the bulb, can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is essential to keep bulbs out of the reach of children, as they contain the highest concentration of potential irritants. If any part of the plant is consumed, it is advised to seek medical assistance.
To pets
Waterlily tulip can be toxic to pets if ingested, particularly the bulbs. They contain compounds that can irritate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as drooling, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to increased heart rate and changes in respiration. It is crucial to prevent pets from accessing the bulbs and to seek veterinary care 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
10 inches (25 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Tulipa kaufmanniana, commonly known as waterlily tulip, is widely appreciated for its decorative appeal in gardens and as cut flowers due to its vibrant colors and unique shape.
- Early Bloomer: Being one of the first tulip varieties to bloom in early spring, it provides early-season color to gardens after a long winter.
- Pollinator Attraction: The waterlily tulip attracts bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of gardens and the pollination of other plants.
- Ease of Cultivation: This tulip species is known for being easy to grow and maintain, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Tulipa kaufmanniana can tolerate periods of drought, which is helpful in regions with water scarcity or for low maintenance gardening.
- Cold Resistance: As a hardy bulb, it can survive cold winters, allowing it to be grown in a variety of climates with proper mulching.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be planted in flower beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Perennial Growth: Since it is a perennial, it can provide beauty for several years without the need for replanting.
- Hybridization Potential: It can be used in hybridizing to create new tulip varieties with different characteristics.
- Seasonal Interest: Its springtime flowering aligns with many cultural and religious spring festivals, adding cultural significance to its presence in gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Water Tulip: The bulbs of water tulip can be crushed and added to water to act as a natural adhesive or binding agent for pigments in traditional painting techniques.
- Fabric Dyeing: The petals of water tulip can be used to create a vibrant yellow-orange dye for fabrics and textiles.
- Garden Design: Due to their early bloom, water tulip bulbs can be planted to create stunning patterns and color contrasts in garden landscape designs.
- Culinary Garnish: The petals of the water tulip are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish in salads and other cold dishes.
- Flower Arranging: Water tulip, with its vivid colors and distinctive shape, is a popular choice for spring-themed flower arrangements and bouquets.
- Educational Tool: Water tulip can be used in school projects and educational programs to teach children about plant life cycles and bulbous plant growth.
- Photography Subject: Their striking appearance makes water tulips an excellent subject for botanical photography and art.
- Bioindicators: Water tulips can serve as bioindicators for some environmental conditions, such as soil quality and the presence of certain nutrients.
- Craft Inspiration: The unique shape and colors of water tulips can inspire crafts such as paper making, candle crafting, or soap making with floral designs.
- Symbolism: In cultural events or ceremonies, water tulips can be used as symbols of spring, renewal, and happiness due to their early blooming and bright colors.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Water Lily Tulip is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Water Lily Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perfect Love: Tulips, as a genus, symbolize perfect, deep, or enduring love between partners or family members, with their vibrant and symmetrical petals representing the balance and harmony within these relationships.
- Rebirth: As Waterlily tulips are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, they signify rebirth and the possibility of new beginnings, reflecting nature's cycle of regeneration.
- Happiness: The bright and cheerful appearance of the Waterlily tulip represents happiness and joy, making it a common gift to convey positive emotions and to celebrate life's happy moments.
WaterFor Waterlily tulip, the soil should be kept evenly moist during the growing season. Water the plant deeply with 1-2 gallons per week, depending on the rainfall and temperature. Over-watering or allowing the bulbs to sit in water may cause them to rot, so ensure the soil drains well. Once the foliage begins to yellow after flowering, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy. During dormant periods, watering is rarely necessary unless there are extremely dry conditions.
LightWaterlily tulip thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. However, in very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent the blooms from fading too quickly.
TemperatureThe Waterlily tulip prefers a temperate climate with a winter chilling period. It can survive winter lows down to approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit and is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8. The ideal temperature range for active growth is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's essential to plant the bulbs in the fall to ensure they undergo a cold dormancy period before spring growth.
PruningPruning of Waterlily tulip is minimal and usually limited to deadheading the spent flowers after blooming to prevent seed formation. Allow the leaves to remain until they have yellowed and withered, which usually occurs by late spring or early summer, before removing. This allows the plant to store energy in the bulb for the next flowering season. Best time for pruning is right after flowering fades.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWaterlily tulips require well-drained, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two-thirds garden soil and one-third coarse sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingWaterlily tulips do not typically need repotting as they are perennial bulbs. Plant them once, and they will bloom annually without the need for repotting.
Humidity & MistingWaterlily tulips prefer average humidity conditions. As outdoor plants, they are generally tolerant of the natural fluctuations in humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant bulbs in fall, ensure good light, don’t overwater.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, in autumn.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulipa kaufmanniana, commonly known as the waterlily tulip, begins its life cycle as a bulb planted in the autumn. It enters a period of dormancy during winter, utilizing the cold to trigger the next growth phase. Once temperatures rise in the spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sprouts, producing leaves and a flowering stalk. The plant flowers, showcasing typically white or yellow blooms that can have a waterlily-like appearance. After pollination, usually by bees and other insects, the flowers produce seeds. Finally, once the flowering is complete and seeds set, the foliage dies back, and the plant returns to bulb form to enter dormancy until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulipa kaufmanniana, commonly known as waterlily tulip, is typically propagated through its bulb division method. This is best done in the fall, which allows the bulbs to establish themselves in cooler temperatures and have a dormant period before sprouting in spring. During propagation, the offsets or daughter bulbs that form around the base of the parent bulb are carefully separated and replanted. It's important to ensure that each new bulb has some of the basal plate (the bottom part of the bulb from which roots grow) attached to ensure successful rooting. Plant these offsets at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) and spaced approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart, in well-draining soil and a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
