From bulb to bloom, the tulip is one of the most recognizable and popular household flowers. Read on for fun facts and history about tulips or for tips on how to handle this flower, visit this tulip care post.
History of Tulips
The name “tulip” is derived from the Persian word delband, meaning “turban.” There are two possible stories as to the origin. The first asserts that that word comes from the actual shape of the tulip flower, which is reminiscent of a turban. The second story speculates that it was popular to wear this flower in one’s turban, which led to a translation error by historians.
Although it is the Netherlands that are commonly associated with tulips, the cultivation is dated back to around the 10th century in Persia, where it inspired culture – from fashion to poetry.
However, it is in the Netherlands that the flower went from a simple bloom to a budding economic bubble that would come to be known as “Tulip Mania.” It was during this time where the prices of tulips soared to astronomical heights; one particular bloom was valued as the same price as a luxury home!
Types of Tulips
There are over 3,000 species of cultivated tulips! Here are 18 unique varieties worth checking out.
- Parrot Tulips
- Double Bloom
- Fringed Tulips
- Lady Jane Tulip
- Peppermint Stick Tulip
- Persian Pearl
- Red Hunter Tulip
- Lilac Wonder Tulip
- Triumph Tulip
- Rembrandt Tulip
- Fosteriana Tulip
- Princess Irene Tulip
- Hollandia Tulips
- Exotic Emperor Tulip
- Flaming Kiss Tulip
- Lady Montgomery Tulip
- Paul Scherer Tulip
- Line Dancer Tulip
What Tulips Symbolize
Generally, tulips symbolize love in general, but there is a different meaning based on the color tulip in question. For love and romance, red tulips are the way to go. If you want to convey an apology, white tulips are the flowers that you seek. Purple tulips are associated with royalty, while yellow tulips are great for cheer and happiness.
Fun Facts About Tulips
- Tulips are the national flower of both Iran and Turkey
- Did you know that tulips follow the sun even when in a vase? That’s why you need to move them around your home during different times of the day
- Tulips continue to grow after they’ve been cut
AUTHOR
Celebrate every occasion and holiday with Michelle Yastremsky! Join her as she comes up with creative ways to make your holiday party stand out!