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Tulip

Tulipa

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameTulip

DescriptionIconic spring-blooming bulb celebrated for its elegant cup-shaped flowers in nearly every color except true blue, symbolizing the arrival of spring in gardens worldwide. Native to Central Asia and famously associated with the Netherlands since the 16th century, tulips sparked the historic 'Tulip Mania' economic bubble of the 1600s. With thousands of cultivars in various forms including single, double, fringed, and parrot types, tulips bloom from March to May depending on variety and climate.

FamilyLiliaceae

GenusTulipa

TribeLilieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ☿ P3+3 A3+3 G(3)

Ebracteate (no bracts), Actinomorphic (radially symmetrical), bisexual, 6 free tepals in 2 whorls of 3 (perianth - no distinction between sepals and petals), 6 free stamens in 2 whorls of 3, 3 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features

Name 'Tulip' derives from Turkish 'tülbend' meaning turban, referring to the flower's shape resembling a Turkish turban. 'Tulipa' is the Latinized form. The flower was cultivated in Persia and Turkey for centuries before reaching Europe
Classic cup-shaped flowers with 6 tepals (3 petals + 3 sepals that look identical) in nearly every color except true blue. Blooms measure 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across. Flower forms range from simple single cups to double, fringed, parrot, and lily-flowered types
Bulbous perennial typically grown as annual in warm climates. Blooms March-May depending on variety (early, mid, late season). Requires cold period (vernalization) for 12-16 weeks to develop strong roots and blooms. Foliage dies back after flowering
Grows 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) tall depending on variety. Lifespan of 3-7 years with proper care, though many treat as annuals. Propagated by bulb offsets or division. Bulbs planted in fall, 6-8 weeks before ground freezes, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) deep
Native to mountainous regions of Central Asia, particularly Iran, Afghanistan, and Kazakhstan. Greatest diversity in Central Asia. Introduced to Turkey, then Europe in 16th century. Now cultivated worldwide, especially Netherlands (world's largest producer)
Requires full sun (6+ hours) and well-drained soil. Bulbs rot in wet conditions. Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Cold hardy zones 3-8. In warm climates (zones 8-10), bulbs need pre-chilling in refrigerator for 12-16 weeks before planting
Netherlands connection: Introduced by botanist Carolus Clusius in 1593. Led to 'Tulip Mania' (1634-1637), first recorded speculative bubble where single bulbs sold for price of houses. Today Netherlands exports billions of bulbs annually, iconic symbol of Dutch culture
Excellent cut flowers lasting 5-7 days. Remove anthers to prevent pollen staining. Plant in groups of 10+ for impact. Deer and rabbit resistant. After blooming, allow foliage to die naturally to replenish bulb for next year. Divide crowded clumps every 3-4 years

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificTulipa

English (Alternate)Darwin Tulip, Lily-Flowered Tulip, Darwin Hybrid Tulip, Parrot Tulip

Hindiट्यूलिप (Tyūlip), गुले लाला (Gul-e-lala)

Tamilதுலிப் (Thulippu)

Teluguతులిప్ (Tulip), తులిప్‌ పుష్పాల (Tulip pushpala)

Malayalamറ്റുലിപ് (Tulip), റ്റ്യുലിപ് (Tyuḻip), വിവിധ വർണ്ണ പുഷ്പം (vividha varṇa puṣpaṁ)

Kannadaತುಳಿಪ್ (Tulip)

Sanskritकन्द पुष्पम् (Kanda Pushpam), कंदर्पकुसुम (Kandarpakusuma)

Bengaliটিউলিপ (Tiulip), গুল লালা (Gulelala), লালে (Lale)

Frenchune tulipe

Russianтюльпан (tyul'pan), тюльпаны (tyul'pany)

Spanishel tulipán

GermanTulpe

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.