tulpen

Tulips are perennial, bulbous flowering plants belonging to the genus Tulipa in the family Asparagaceae. They are native to a broad region ranging from Southern Europe and Central Asia to the Middle East, including Iran, Afghanistan, and Anatolia, and have been cultivated for centuries for their colorful, cup- or star-shaped flowers. Today they are grown in temperate zones worldwide as decorative plants.

Most tulip species form a bulb with a papery tunic and produce a single tall stem bearing one to several flowers. The flowers typically have six tepals arranged around a central pistil and stamens, and they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Leaves are usually elongated and upright, and the plant goes dormant after the flowering period.

The history of cultivation is notable for its long association with the Ottoman Empire and early European horticulture. Tulips were introduced to Europe in the 16th century and became highly prized in the Netherlands, where intensive breeding produced thousands of cultivars and helped establish modern commercial bulb trade. Modern breeding groups many cultivars by flower form, including single early, single late, double, parrot, fringed, lily-flowered, and peony-flowered types.

Cultivation and care require a period of cold, or vernalization, to initiate flowering. Plant bulbs in autumn in well-drained soil with full sun to light shade, at a depth of about 10–15 cm and spacing of 10–15 cm. In regions with harsh winters, bulbs are typically left in the ground; in milder climates, they may be lifted and stored. After flowering, keep the foliage until it senesces to nourish the bulbs. Tulips are widely used in borders, parks, and container plantings.