When you think of spring, no doubt vibrant tulips are amongst the first flowers that come to mind.
The seasonal beauties add instant joy to any bouquet, but beyond their beauty is a rich history and symbolism that dates all the way back to the 11th Century. Here are seven interesting facts about tulips you may not know, from the height of Tulip Mania in the 1600s to the best ways to incorporate tulips into the kitchen.
There are over 3000 types of tulips
A popular and instantly recognisable flower, you might be surprised to learn that not all tulips are the same! In fact, there are over 75 species of tulips and 3000 varieties with new types being cultivated regularly. One feature that almost all tulips share though, is that they are almost perfectly symmetrical.
Tulips are nature to central Asia
While tulips are often associated with places in Europe, such as the Netherlands, they originally grew in Central Asia. They are thought to have been first cultivated in Constantinople in the 11th Century, where they became a popular motif in literature, art and music. While the jury is out on how they reached Europe, it’s thought that seeds and bulbs landed in the continent around the 16th century.
There are so many colours of tulips
Tulips are loved for their bright and cheerful colours, from vibrant pinks, oranges and yellows to snow-like whites and deep-dark purples. There’s only one colour you won’t find tulips in and that’s blue, which isn’t surprising given that blue flowers are the rarest of them all. Despite plant breeders efforts to cultivate them, most attempts become shades of purple.
Each colour has its own special meaning
Blooming in spring, tulips are a symbol of new beginnings. They also represent deep and undying love, making them the perfect gift for a loved one or an apt addition to a spring wedding bouquet. Each colour has its own special meaning and symbolism:
Pink Tulips
Holding symbolism of affection and gratitude, pink tulips make the perfect gift for a friend or loved one when you want to show them just how much you appreciate them.
Red Tulips
As with most red flowers, red tulips are associated with eternal love and romance. An old Persian tale that tells the story of star-crossed lovers Fahad and Shirin says red tulips sprouted from their blood after they died.
Yellow Tulips
Vibrant yellow tulips carry sentiments of happiness and joy. In the Victorian language of flowers, they were used to send a sweet message of “there’s sunshine in your smile”. Adorable!
Orange Tulips
Orange tulips share the sentiment of many other orange blooms, symbolisming vibrancy and enthusiasm. Not only will they add a zesty pop of colour to any bouquet, their uplighting sentiments are sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Purple Tulips
Purple flowers are often seen as a symbol of royalty as purple dyes were once only afforded by the richest in society. Purple tulips continue to carry this meaning today, a symbol of royalty and elegance.
White Tulips
A symbol of purity and innocence, white tulips are often used in spring wedding bouquets and flower arrangements.
Tulips can continue to grow after they’ve been cut
If you’ve ever been given a bouquet of tulips and noticed they appear to continue to grow in water, don’t worry – your eyes are not deceiving you! The beautiful blooms will continue to grow after they’ve been cut, and will grow towards the light which is why they often start to bend or droop in a vase. Top tip: Use a narrow vase to keep your stems upright.
Tulips are edible
We love when we can incorporate flowers into the kitchen, and tulip petals with their sweet taste make the perfect finishing touch to salads, cakes and cocktails. However, do note that eating the bulbs themselves is not recommended. Apart from the fact they don’t taste great, parts can be mildly poisonous and lead to illness.
They were once the most expensive flower
When Tulip Mania hit the Netherlands in the 1630s, the price of tulips skyrocketed and were seen as a luxury item and status symbol for many years. When the bulbs became so expensive, with some varieties outpricing houses, the tulip trade really took off. Prices began to fall in 1637 because no one could afford to buy the blooms, but this led to many disputes over tulip debts!
Brighten up their day with a bouquet of cheerful tulips from Blossoming Gifts, available with next day delivery nationwide.
