The Enchanting Beauty of Tulips
Contrary to popular belief, tulips are not native to Holland. These beautiful bulbs actually come from the Middle East, from flowers that look somewhat different from the tulips that you are probably used to. Species Tulips are the stock from which those legendary Dutch breeders have been creating Hybrid Tulips, the plants you’re most likely used to, for centuries. Because of the huge variety of Hybrid Tulips that have been created over the years, there are far, far fewer types of Species Tulip available, especially commercially.
Tulip species are the starting point in the long story of the garden tulip and they are still out there, growing in the wild in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. They are usually smaller and less bold than the garden hybrids, and extra care may be needed to grow some of them successfully, but they amaze with the intensity of their color and surprise with the size of their flowers. Growing in distant mountain ranges, hidden gorges, and remote meadows are plants that wouldn’t look out of place in the brightest, most flamboyant garden.
There are some 120 species of wild tulips and more than 2300 extant named varieties of garden tulips. All tulips are hardy bulbous perennial herbs with mostly basal, strap-like leaves. The flowers are usually cup or bowl shaped and usually has six tepals. However, there are tulips with star shaped flowers, double flowers, and tulips with tepals that are reflexed, elongated, or fringed. Most tulips produce a single flower on a central stem, but some species bear multiple flowers. Most tulips bloom in the spring. Tulips have been developed in nearly every color except true blue. Irregular stripes, streaks or speckles in tulip blossoms are called “broken” colors and are the result of a virus infection. Tulips with broken colors are often very attractive, and were formerly very valuable, but nowadays are hard to find.
With all of the sentiments and meanings of tulips, it’s not surprising that their popularity continues to endure. The wide range of colors and varieties available allows them to be used for many occasions. In addition to being a favorite for cut flower arrangements, tulips can also be given as a potted plant. The growing and caring for of tulip bulb gardens and plants is a rewarding pastime for many flower lovers. As one of the world’s most beloved flowers, a gift of tulips is a sure delight, enchanting in its beauty and simplicity.
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