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Description
Tulipa American Dream is a beautiful tulip variety that is prized for its hardiness and striking appearance. This stunning flower has large, cup-shaped blooms that are a bright shade of salmon-pink with a yellow base. The petals are slightly ruffled and have a glossy sheen that catches the light, making this tulip a real showstopper in any garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Tulipa |
Appearance
Tulipa American Dream is a medium-sized tulip variety that typically grows to a height of 16-18 inches. The blooms are large, with a diameter of up to 4 inches, and have a distinctive cup shape. The petals are a bright shade of salmon-pink with a yellow base, and are slightly ruffled with a glossy sheen. The leaves are long and narrow, with a bluish-green color that complements the vibrant blooms.
Care Guide
Tulipa American Dream is a hardy tulip variety that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your tulips looking their best:
- Water: Tulips prefer well-draining soil that is kept moderately moist. Water your tulips deeply once a week, or more often during dry spells.
- Fertilization: Tulips benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in the fall, before the ground freezes. Avoid fertilizing in the spring, as this can lead to leggy growth and weak blooms.
- Soil: Tulips prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
- Sunlight: Tulips prefer full sun to partial shade. Plant your tulips in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Tulipa American Dream is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tulipa American Dream is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but here are a few issues to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can infest tulips and cause stunted growth and deformed blooms. Treat aphids with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Botrytis: This fungal disease can cause gray mold to form on the leaves and blooms of tulips. Remove infected plant material and treat with a fungicide.
- Squirrels: These critters love to dig up tulip bulbs and eat them. Protect your bulbs by planting them in a wire mesh cage or covering them with chicken wire.
Habitat
Tulipa American Dream is native to Europe and western Asia, but is widely cultivated in gardens around the world. This tulip variety prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-8 and can be grown in a variety of garden settings, including perennial borders, rock gardens, and containers.
Question and Answer
Q: When is the best time to plant Tulipa American Dream bulbs?
A: Plant tulip bulbs in the fall, before the ground freezes. This will give the bulbs time to establish roots before the winter dormancy period.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Tulipa American Dream bulbs?
A: Tulips benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in the fall, before the ground freezes. Avoid fertilizing in the spring, as this can lead to leggy growth and weak blooms.
Q: Can I use Tulipa American Dream in cut flower arrangements?
A: Yes, Tulipa American Dream is a popular cut flower variety due to its striking appearance and long vase life.
Q: How do I propagate Tulipa American Dream?
A: Tulipa American Dream can be propagated by dividing mature clumps in the fall, after the foliage has died back. Dig up the clump and separate the bulbs, then replant them in a new location.
Related Plants
- Tulipa apricot beauty
- Tulipa batalinii
- Tulipa clusiana
- Tulipa humilis
- Tulipa praestans
References
- “Tulipa American Dream.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e858
- “Tulipa.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulipa
- “Tulip.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/16287/tulip/details
