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Description
Tulipa Olympic Flame, also known as Tulipa ‘Olympic Flame’, is a stunning member of the Tulipa genus. This tulip variety is a hybrid cultivar, which was created by crossing the Darwin and Fosteriana tulip species. The resulting plant grows to a height of 20-30 cm and produces a single, large flower per stem. The flower has an elongated shape, with pointed petals that curve slightly inward. The color of the petals is a bright red-orange, which fades to a soft yellow at the base. The foliage is narrow, lance-shaped, and green in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Tulipa |
Appearance
Tulipa Olympic Flame is a striking tulip that adds a bold pop of color to any garden or landscape. The flower of this tulip variety is elongated in shape, with pointed petals that curve slightly inward. The color of the petals is a bright red-orange, which fades to a soft yellow at the base. The foliage is narrow, lance-shaped, and green in color. The plant grows to a height of 20-30 cm and produces a single, large flower per stem.
Care Guide
Tulipa Olympic Flame is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to ensure that it grows and blooms properly. Here are some care tips for this tulip variety:
- Water: Tulipa Olympic Flame prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often if the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Stop fertilizing once the plant has finished blooming for the year.
- Soil: Tulipa Olympic Flame prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with compost or other organic matter before planting.
- Sunlight: Tulipa Olympic Flame prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant the bulbs in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Tulipa Olympic Flame is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tulipa Olympic Flame is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, there are a few issues that you should watch out for:
- Bulb rot: This can occur if the soil is too wet or if the bulbs are damaged. Make sure the soil is well-draining, and plant the bulbs at the correct depth (about 2-3 times the height of the bulb).
- Squirrel damage: Squirrels love to dig up tulip bulbs and eat them. To prevent this, cover the planting area with a layer of chicken wire or other mesh material.
Habitat
Tulipa Olympic Flame is native to the mountains of central Asia, but it is now widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes around the world. This tulip variety prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Question and Answer
Q: When is the best time to plant Tulipa Olympic Flame bulbs?
A: The best time to plant Tulipa Olympic Flame bulbs is in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes.
Q: How deep should I plant Tulipa Olympic Flame bulbs?
A: Plant Tulipa Olympic Flame bulbs about 2-3 times the height of the bulb, with the pointed end facing up.
Q: Can I grow Tulipa Olympic Flame in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Tulipa Olympic Flame in a container. Use a well-draining potting mix, and make sure the container has drainage holes in the bottom.
Q: When do Tulipa Olympic Flame blooms appear?
A: Tulipa Olympic Flame blooms appear in mid to late spring, depending on your location and climate.
Related Plants
- Tulipa ‘Red Riding Hood’
- Tulipa ‘Apricot Beauty’
- Tulipa ‘Pink Impression’
- Tulipa ‘Purple Prince’
References
- RHS Plant Finder: Tulipa ‘Olympic Flame’
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Tulipa ‘Olympic Flame’
- Gardenia: Tulipa ‘Olympic Flame’
