Tulip Flowers
Tulips (Tulipa) are bulbous perennials prized for their clean, cup-shaped flowers and broad color range. Native to Central Asia and celebrated in Ottoman and Dutch history, they’re iconic spring blooms for gardens and cut arrangements. Stems continue to elongate in water, giving their characteristic graceful “droop.”
Occasions & recipients
Find flowers by occasion
Best occasions
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Mother’s Day
- Get well soon
- Housewarming
- Spring festivals/Easter
Suitable for
- Romantic partner
- Close friend
- Family member
- Coworker/client
- New neighbors
Color taboos
- All-white bouquets may signal mourning/funerals in parts of East Asia—avoid for birthdays.
- Yellow tulips can imply rejection/jealousy in old floriography—clarify cheerful intent.
- Very dark (black/deep purple) palettes can feel somber or formal—use sparingly for celebrations.
- Red tulips read as overtly romantic—avoid for strictly professional gifts.
- Bright mixed colors may be unsuitable for conservative funerals.
Card messages
At a glance
Key details
Quick reference for habitat, gifting etiquette, and safety when choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients.
Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow, how to present them thoughtfully, and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.
Botanical info
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Plantae; Order: Liliales; Family: Liliaceae; Genus: Tulipa; Common name: Tulip.
Distribution
Native from Central Asia through Iran and Turkey; diversified in Anatolia/Levant. Widely naturalized and cultivated worldwide, with the Netherlands a major producer.
Conservation
Many wild Tulipa species from Central Asia/Caucasus are threatened by habitat loss and overcollection; statuses vary (some Vulnerable/Endangered). Choose nursery-propagated bulbs and avoid wild-collected plants.
Gifting & etiquette
Presentation etiquette
Present upright in a paper sleeve with a vase of cool water; recut stems and remove leaves below the waterline. Avoid mixing fresh tulips with unconditioned daffodils (narcissus sap harms them); keep bouquets away from heat and direct sun to prevent excessive drooping. Choose softer hues for professional settings and reds/pinks for romance.
Ideal delivery time
Morning of the occasion during cool hours; best in late winter–spring. Deliver fresh-cut 1–2 days after harvest for longest vase life.
Health & risk
Toxicity
Bulbs, leaves, and stems contain tulipalin A/B; mildly to moderately toxic if ingested (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and may cause dermatitis. Keep away from pets (cats/dogs) and wear gloves when handling bulbs.
Allergenicity
Low to moderate. Tulip pollen is relatively low-allergen, but handling bulbs/stems can cause allergic contact dermatitis (“tulip fingers”) due to tulipalin A; wear gloves if sensitive.
Meaning & taboos
Symbolism & color
Tulips symbolize perfect love, renewal, grace, and the arrival of spring; color meanings vary (red—love, pink—affection, white—apology/peace, yellow—cheer, purple—royalty).
Growing & tools
Care & gear
Growing tips
Plant hardy bulbs in fall (6–8 weeks before ground freezes) in full sun and well-drained soil; set 2–3× bulb height deep (about 6–8 in/15–20 cm) and 4–6 in apart. Requires 12–16 weeks of chill (35–45°F/2–7°C); pre-chill in warm climates and treat as annuals where perennializing is unreliable. Water after planting, then keep on the dry side to prevent rot. After bloom, deadhead and allow foliage to yellow before removing; feed with a low‑nitrogen bulb fertilizer at planting and at emergence. Protect from rodents with gravel or bulb cages; watch for aphids, slugs, and Botrytis.
Recommended tools
- Bulb planter
- Hand trowel
- Wire mesh or bulb cage
- Watering can
- Floral snips
Symbolizes
- Perfect love
- Spring renewal
- Elegance
- Affection/cheer
- Prosperity/abundance