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Description
Tulipa Humilis, also known as the species tulip or the dwarf tulip, is a herbaceous perennial plant from the Liliaceae family. It is native to the Middle East and Asia Minor, but is now widely distributed throughout Europe. The plant grows up to 20cm in height and blooms in late winter or early spring. The flowers are usually red, but can also be pink or white. The leaves are narrow and grayish green in color. Tulipa Humilis is a popular garden plant due to its attractive flowers and easy care requirements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Tulipa |
Appearance
The flowers of Tulipa Humilis are cup-shaped and about 4cm in diameter. They are held on short stems and are usually red, but can also be pink or white. The leaves are narrow and grayish green in color, growing up to 15cm in length. The plant grows up to 20cm in height and blooms in late winter or early spring. Tulipa Humilis is a low-growing plant, making it ideal for rock gardens and borders.
Care Guide
– Water: Tulipa Humilis prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering when the plant goes dormant.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring, just as the plant begins to grow.- Soil: Tulipa Humilis prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Plant the bulbs in autumn, about 10cm deep and 10cm apart.- Sunlight: Tulipa Humilis prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Tulipa Humilis is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tulipa Humilis is relatively pest and disease-free, but can be affected by the following:- Aphids: Aphids can attack the plant, causing distorted growth and yellowing leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Botrytis: Botrytis can cause gray mold on the leaves and flowers. Remove affected plant parts and improve air circulation around the plant.- Bulb rot: Bulb rot can occur in wet or poorly-drained soil. Plant the bulbs in well-drained soil and do not overwater.
Habitat
Tulipa Humilis is native to the Middle East and Asia Minor, but is now widely distributed throughout Europe. The plant grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: When is the best time to plant Tulipa Humilis bulbs?
A: The best time to plant Tulipa Humilis bulbs is in autumn, about 10cm deep and 10cm apart.
Q: How often should I water my Tulipa Humilis plant?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering when the plant goes dormant.
Q: What is the ideal soil type for Tulipa Humilis?
A: Tulipa Humilis prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Tulipa Humilis?
A: Tulipa Humilis is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Related Plants
– Tulipa kaufmanniana- Tulipa biflora- Tulipa tarda- Tulipa sylvestris
References
– Royal Horticultural Society. (2021). Tulipa humilis. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10661/Tulipa-humilis/Details- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Tulipa humilis. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287938&isprofile=0&basic=Tulipa%20humilis- Plantzafrica.com. (n.d.). Tulipa humilis. http://pza.sanbi.org/tulipa-humilis
