Contents
Description
Tulipa Shirley is a hybrid tulip that was first introduced in 1940 by a British breeder named H.D. Krelage. This beautiful flower has large, egg-shaped petals that are a vibrant shade of pink with a white edge. It grows up to 16 inches tall and blooms in mid-spring. Tulipa Shirley is a perennial bulb that can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Tulipa |
Appearance
Tulipa Shirley has large, egg-shaped petals that are pink with a white edge. The flowers grow up to 4 inches in diameter and bloom in mid-spring. The stem is green and can grow up to 16 inches tall. The leaves are long and narrow, and they grow directly from the base of the stem. The foliage is green and slightly waxy.
Care Guide
Tulipa Shirley is an easy-to-care-for flower. Here are some tips for growing and maintaining this beautiful plant:- Water: Tulipa Shirley prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Tulipa Shirley does not require much fertilization. You can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the fall or early spring.- Soil: Tulipa Shirley grows best in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The soil should be rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Tulipa Shirley prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.- Hardiness Zones: Tulipa Shirley can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tulipa Shirley is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap out of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap.- Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease can cause the flowers and leaves to turn brown and mushy. You can prevent botrytis blight by keeping the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoiding overcrowding.- Tulip Fire: This fungal disease can cause the leaves to turn yellow and brown, and the flowers to become distorted. You can prevent tulip fire by planting the bulbs in well-drained soil and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Tulipa Shirley is native to Europe and Asia, but it can be grown in many different regions around the world. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Tulipa Shirley can be grown in gardens, containers, and borders.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tulipa Shirley be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Tulipa Shirley can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the bulb.
Q: When should I plant Tulipa Shirley bulbs?
A: Tulipa Shirley bulbs should be planted in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
Q: How long do Tulipa Shirley flowers last?
A: Tulipa Shirley flowers typically last for about 2-3 weeks.
Q: Can Tulipa Shirley be grown in partial shade?
A: Yes, Tulipa Shirley can be grown in partial shade, but it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Related Plants
– Tulipa Greigii- Tulipa Clusiana- Tulipa Orphanidea- Tulipa Praestans
References
– “Tulipa Shirley,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed September 16, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287802&isprofile=0&basic=Tulipa%20shirley- “Tulipa Shirley,” Royal Horticultural Society, accessed September 16, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/37318/Tulipa-Shirley/Details- “Tulipa Shirley,” Gardenia.net, accessed September 16, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/tulipa-shirley-tulip
