Tulipa Koningin Wilhelmina

Description

Tulipa Koningin Wilhelmina is a beautiful and popular tulip variety that belongs to the Liliaceae family. This tulip is also known as Queen Wilhelmina and was named after the Dutch queen who ruled the country from 1890 to 1948. It is a mid-season bloomer and produces large, cup-shaped flowers that are bright white in color with a yellowish-green base. The flowers are around 12-14 cm in diameter and have a pleasant fragrance. Tulipa Koningin Wilhelmina is a perennial plant that grows from bulbs and can reach a height of 45-60 cm.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Tulipa Koningin Wilhelmina has large, cup-shaped flowers that are bright white in color with a yellowish-green base. The flowers are around 12-14 cm in diameter and have a pleasant fragrance. The petals are broad and slightly pointed at the tips. The leaves are green and narrow, growing up to 30 cm in length. The stems are strong and upright, reaching a height of 45-60 cm. This tulip variety blooms in mid-season, usually in April or May.

Care Guide

Tulipa Koningin Wilhelmina is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help your tulips thrive:

Water: Tulips prefer moist soil, but they don’t like to sit in water. Water them deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

Fertilization: Fertilize your tulips in the fall with a balanced fertilizer. You can also add bone meal to the soil to encourage healthy root growth.

Soil: Tulips grow best in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. They don’t like heavy clay soil or soil that is too acidic.

Sunlight: Tulips need full sun to thrive. Plant them in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Hardiness Zones: Tulipa Koningin Wilhelmina is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Tulips are generally healthy plants, but they can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common issues to watch out for:

Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from tulip leaves and buds, causing them to wilt and die. Treat aphids with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Botrytis: This fungal disease can cause gray mold to form on tulip leaves and flowers. Remove any infected plant parts and treat with a fungicide.

Slugs: These slimy pests can eat holes in tulip leaves and flowers. Use slug bait or set up beer traps to keep them away.

Habitat

Tulipa Koningin Wilhelmina is native to the Netherlands and is commonly grown in gardens and parks around the world. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. This tulip variety is often used in borders, rock gardens, and as cut flowers.

Question and Answer

Q: When is the best time to plant Tulipa Koningin Wilhelmina?

A: Tulipa Koningin Wilhelmina should be planted in the fall, before the ground freezes. This allows the bulbs to establish roots before winter and bloom in the spring.

Q: How deep should I plant Tulipa Koningin Wilhelmina bulbs?

A: Plant tulip bulbs about 6 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Make sure the pointed end of the bulb faces up.

Q: Can Tulipa Koningin Wilhelmina be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Tulipa Koningin Wilhelmina can be grown in containers. Use a well-draining potting mix and place the container in a spot that receives full sun.

Q: How do I care for Tulipa Koningin Wilhelmina after it blooms?

A: After the tulip blooms have faded, cut off the flower stem but leave the foliage intact. This allows the plant to store energy for next year’s bloom. Once the foliage turns yellow and dies back, you can remove it from the soil.

Related Plants

Here are some related tulip varieties:

• Tulipa Darwin Hybrid
• Tulipa Greigii
• Tulipa Kaufmanniana
• Tulipa Parrot
• Tulipa Single Late

References

• https://www.gardenia.net/plant/tulipa-koningin-wilhelmina-tulip
• https://www.almanac.com/plant/tulips
• https://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/bulbs/tulips/