Well renowned around the world, Tulips are simple yet beautiful, colorful yet just right in size! So rich in history and has plenty of symbolism behind these beauties. It is wonderful for so many occasions! Our ultimate dream? Visiting a tulip farm in Holland! These classic blooms are the epitome of elegance (and also the first flower everyone thinks of during Spring), and one of our favorite blooms to include in our luxe designs.
Fun facts about Tulips
Origin of Tulips
Often mistaken for its origin, the iconic Tulips are in fact from Central Asia where they grew as a wildflower. Most people think they came from the Netherlands given how popular it is over there. Their names come from the Turkish word for ‘turban’ for their similar appearances.
Flawless Proportion
Tulips are known for their bold colors and exquisite shape, and most varieties are indeed almost perfectly proportionate in symmetry. The blooms have three petals and three sepals, but since the sepals are almost the same size and shape as the petals, Tulips appear to have six petals to a bulb.
Cook With Tulips
Tulips are edible! Like many other flowers. In fact, during World War II, they were often eaten by those who could not afford other foods. The flowers can be used to replace onions in many recipes and are even used to make wine. P/S: please don’t attempt to eat the ones from the bouquet. Those are cultivated for admiring – strictly not for eating.
An Amazing Variety
Tulips can be divided into about 150 various species, but there are more than 3,000 naturally occurring and genetically cultivated varieties of the flower worldwide. Did you know that new varieties are regularly created, but it takes each one at least 20 years to go from the beginning stages of cultivation to it’s avail to your local florist. It’s a no wonder that they used to be one of the most expensive flowers, at one point in the early 1600s, they even cost more than homes!
The meaning behind Tulips
Flowers are a great way to express ones’ feelings when words just do not do justice. Here are some of their most common meanings:
Perfect or Deep Love
Tulips mean perfect or deep love. As they are a timeless flower, loved by many through the times, they are synonym with the meaning of love – which makes them the perfect flower to gift to someone to whom you have deep, unconditional love for, be it your parents, sibling, or life partner.
Rebirth
Their first bloom marks the beginning of spring and symbolizes rebirth. A bouquet of tulips makes a lovely gift to someone who is going through life changes, undertaking new adventures, or have welcomed a new addition to their family.
Charity
They have been a symbol of charity since the Victorian era. They mark a new season and new beginnings and working together to achieve a sense of greater good.
The different colors of Tulips
Are you the hopeless romantic? If you are, red Tulips have a meaning of eternal love and passion. They are a very popular choice of flowers for couples to give each other and to use for nuptials too. If you’re wanting to win someone over send them a big bunch of gorgeous red tulips! We guarantee it will melt their hearts.
White Tulips have a meaning of forgiveness, respect, purity and honor. So whether you need to apologize to someone or are celebrating a religious milestone, these are perfect! Did you know, according to superstition, if you dream about them, it can mean that you’re about to embark on a new journey and a fresh start in life.
Blooms in yellow needs no explanation, yellow Tulips make for the cheeriest flowers around and of course symbolizes happiness and hope! Victorian’s believe they meant ‘there’s sunshine in your smile’ which is just too adorable. They will bring a smile to anyone’s face. And if you plant yellow tulips in your front or back garden it is known to bring good luck and prosperity to your home.
Pink Tulips are known for meaning affection, caring, good wishes, and love. Although not as deep or passionate love as red tulips symbolize. Pink tulips are great to send to friends and family members to show them you care. If you want to congratulate someone on a new job, a promotion or graduation, these blooms would say it best!
Because purple dye was a luxury that only royals, or the super-wealthy, could afford, purple Tulips have a meaning of royalty and elegance. In the 1500s, Queen Elizabeth even banned everyone except members of the royal family to wear purple as it was such a special colour! They are perfect for bridal bouquets or to give someone who you think is totally fabulous and deserving of these beautiful blooms.
Caring for your Tulips
Step 1: Remove them from the bouquet as soon as you’ve receive them. Carefully cut off any foliage such as sprouts and leaves from the stems. Only cut the foliage off from the part of the stem that will be submerged in water.
Step 2: Fill the vase with fresh water about 3/4 of the way up. Try to get your vase to be as clean as possible to prevent bacterial growth.
Step 3: Remove wilted stems and cut any white sections off. Cut about 1 inch off the bottom of each stem and immediately place the blooms into the water.
Step 4: Re-cut 1 inch off the bottom of each stem to encourage continued water uptake and change the vase water daily.
While prolonging their beauty and presence in your home, one should avoid too much sunlight. Tulips grow and open based on the sunlight they receive but given too much once the flowers open and they tend to wilt faster. For this reason, a spot on a table or shelf out of direct heat and sunlight is essential.