Flower Feature: Tulips

When thinking of spring, a tulip is likely to emerge as one of the most colorful representatives of the season. This beautiful flower is available in a wide assortment of hues and shapes, making it one of the most popular blooms of the season. It’s capable of adding immediate character to any landscape, and it’s equally perfect for celebrating anything from Easter to Mother’s Day.

Clearly, the humble tulip needs no introduction. It’s a springtime delight, and it’s so popular that people all over the world implement it everywhere from their gardens to their tabletops. With their distinctive cups and naturally uplifting appearance, it’s no wonder people smile in response to their beauty.

The History of Tulips

Among the world’s most popular wildflowers, tulips originated in the Tien Shan Mountains in central Asia. Eventually, they grew in popularity in Turkey, where fields and gardens full of the lush flower grew in abundance. In the 16th century, a botanist in the Netherlands grew a few tulip bulbs he’d received as a gift. He was protective of his plants, and wouldn’t allow anyone to purchase them. That didn’t stop the public, though — they were so entranced by the flower that they would often break into the gardens simply to take the bulbs.

Interesting Tulip Tidbits

They’re beautiful enough to stand on their own, but there are some fun facts about tulips that set them apart from other blossoms. The largest tulip producer in the world, for example, is Holland. They export some three billion bulbs annually. “Tulip” derives from the Turkish tülbend or turban. Some believed the flower’s shape was reminiscent of a turban, yielding the interesting connection.

A Tulip Revolution

It spurred a revolution in the early 1600s, especially as people became even more and more excited about the then-rare tulip. Its value was high, and it was incredibly scarce. So valued was the flower that it was considered a symbol of great wealth at the time. When bulbs were sold, they were purchased in abundance, each buyer hoping to sell them at a premium. By 1637, however, interest began to wane as the demand for tulips fell in response to the increased supply.

The Modern Tulip

While demand may have slowed in the 17th century, it didn’t prevent the tulip from becoming the floral mainstay that it is today. The flower is among the world’s most beloved, largely because it is associated with so many different emotions and sentiments. Today, there is a tulip for every occasion.

The red tulip, for example, conveys passionate love in a bold, fearless way. They’re symbolic of undying affection and genuine love. Yellow tulips, meanwhile, are associated with joy, hopefulness, and positivity. They make a wonderful gift for dear friends, or to wish someone well on a new endeavor. If you need to apologize to someone, giving white tulips is a thoughtful gesture that shows how much you mean it.

When you give pink tulips, you’re expressing your confidence in someone’s abilities. This is a wonderful choice for the person who has just started a new job or was recently accepted to a college or graduate school. For the royal queen in your life, nothing tells her how much she means to you better than the lavish purple tulip.

Caring for Tulips

If you’re the lucky recipient of a bunch of tulips or you’re treating yourself to the vibrant Multicolor Tulip Garden, here’s how to keep the flowers fresh. Trim the base of the stem at an angle, allowing the stems to intake as much moisture as possible. That will prevent them from wilting. Flower food is not as important for your tulips as water. Aim to change the water every single day to keep your flowers in the best possible shape.

Tulips prefer colder spaces, so it’s best to place them in a cooler than average room. You can even protect the integrity of the blooms by adding an ice cube to the water each time you change it. Avoid all sources of heat, from space heaters to televisions to radiators, as these could lead to premature failure. With the right care, you can expect your tulips to last for at least a week after they’re open.