lalea

Lalea is the Romanian common name for the tulip, a genus Tulipa of bulbous flowering plants. Traditionally placed in the lily family (Liliaceae), Tulipa is in modern classifications placed in Asparagaceae, subfamily Lilioideae.

Tulips are perennial bulbs that produce a single flowering stem with a cup-shaped bloom at the tip. Leaves are lanceolate. The flowers come in varied colors and forms, including single, double, peony-like, and fringed types, widely grown as ornamentals.

Native to regions from southern Europe through the Middle East to Central Asia, wild tulips occur in steppe and mountainous habitats. They were cultivated for centuries in Europe and Asia and are now grown worldwide in temperate zones.

Cultivation: plant in autumn in well-drained soil and full sun, at a depth of 8–15 cm and spacing of 10–20 cm. Tulips require winter chilling to bloom well; in hot climates, use cool storage or cultivars adapted to warmth. Allow foliage to die back.

Varieties: many cultivars exist, grouped by bloom form and flowering time, including species tulips, Darwin hybrids, Triumphs, Parrots, and double-late types.

Etymology and culture: the term lalea comes from Turkish lale, from Persian laléh, meaning tulip. Tulips have a strong cultural presence, notably in 17th-century Netherlands, and remain a symbol of spring.

Pests and diseases: common problems include bulb rot, Botrytis gray mold, aphids, and slugs. Good drainage, sanitation, and resistant cultivars reduce risk.