tulips

Tulips are a genus of flowering plants, Tulipa, comprising about 75 wild species and many thousands of cultivated varieties. They are perennial bulbous plants in the Amaryllidaceae family. In spring, a flowering stem rises from a tunic-covered bulb; leaves are basal and green, often folded. The flowers are typically one per stem, with six petal-like tepals arranged in a cup or goblet, and come in a broad range of colors and patterns. Heights range from about 10 cm to 70 cm.

They are native to a wide belt of Eurasia from southern Europe to central Asia. Today they are cultivated worldwide for ornamental use, with the Netherlands and Turkey among historic centers of production. Tulips bloom in spring and go dormant in summer; the bulbs store nutrients.

Cultivation: Plant bulbs in autumn in well-drained soil, at a depth of 2-3 times their height. Provide full sun and adequate moisture during growth; after flowering, allow leaves to yellow to replenish bulbs. Many cultivars have been developed, including singles, doubles, parrot, lily-flowered, and fringed forms.

Pests and diseases: Susceptible to Botrytis blight, fusarium, bulb rot, aphids, and thrips. Storage and proper sanitation help prevent infection.

Cultural significance: Tulips have been an important garden plant and cut flower; the 17th-century Dutch tulip mania is a famous episode in economic history. Tulip symbolism includes love, prosperity, and enduring grace.