by Karen Lawson
HomeOwnerNet Columnist
From elegant traditional blooms to exotic multi-colored "parrot" varieties, tulips are valued throughout the world for their cheerful spring color. Although hybrid tulips originated in Holland, wild tulips are native to central Asia, and their cultivation has been traced to the regions now known as Turkey and Islamabad as early as 1000 AD.
The Flower of Perfect Love and Perfect Garden Color
According to Turkish lore, Prince Farhad and his horse galloped over a cliff upon learning of the death of his beloved. A scarlet tulip grew from each drop of his blood, and so the tulip is said to represent perfect love. During the Ottoman Empire, tulips were associated with money and power. A sultan is said to have spent his entire fortune at a tulip festival. Modern tulip fanciers may be tempted to do the same when examining new hybrid tulips and reliable favorites at home and garden shows. Modern tulips are commonly associated with spring observances of Valentine's Day and Easter, and their blooms enliven lawn and garden each spring.
Dutch Growers Develop Countless Tulip Varieties
Although not native to Holland, horticulturists there have created today's tulip hybrids. From the clean lines and contemporary appearance of traditional tulips to frilled and fancy petals of parrot tulips, there is a tulip for every taste. In addition to their popularity in garden settings, tulips also work well in cut flower arrangements. Tulip bulbs should be planted during fall, and must endure several weeks of freezing temperatures during the winter before blooming in spring. Gardeners living temperate climates can freeze tulip bulbs for several weeks before planting in early spring.
About the Author
Karen Lawson is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about nature and the environment. She holds BA and MA degrees in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.
