Contents
Description
Tulipa Ice Follies is a popular hybrid tulip cultivar that originated in the Netherlands. It is a large-flowered tulip that produces beautiful, creamy white petals with a soft yellow center. The flowers are fragrant and bloom in mid-spring, making them a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Anthophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Tulipa |
Appearance
Tulipa Ice Follies grows up to 18 inches tall and produces a single flower per stem. The flowers are large, reaching up to 6 inches in diameter, and have six creamy white petals with a soft yellow center. The leaves are long and narrow, growing up to 12 inches in length, and are a bluish-green color. The bulbs are large, round, and brown in color.
Care Guide
Tulipa Ice Follies is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your tulips healthy:
- Water: Tulips need regular watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your tulips once a year in the fall with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Tulips prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy, add sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Tulips need full sun to thrive. Plant them in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Tulipa Ice Follies is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tulipa Ice Follies is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but there are a few issues to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause damage to the leaves and flowers. Use an insecticidal soap to control them.
- Botrytis: This fungal disease can cause the flowers to rot. Remove any infected flowers and improve air circulation to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Squirrels: These critters love to dig up and eat tulip bulbs. Protect your bulbs by covering them with wire mesh or planting them in containers.
Habitat
Tulipa Ice Follies is native to the Netherlands and is commonly grown in gardens and parks throughout the world. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tulipa Ice Follies be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Tulipa Ice Follies can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the bulb and has adequate drainage.
Q: Do tulips need to be divided?
A: Tulips can be left in the ground for several years without being divided, but they may benefit from being lifted and divided every 3-4 years.
Q: Can Tulipa Ice Follies be grown from seed?
A: Yes, Tulipa Ice Follies can be grown from seed, but it may take several years for the plant to produce flowers.
Q: When should I plant Tulipa Ice Follies?
A: Tulipa Ice Follies should be planted in the fall, before the ground freezes.
Related Plants
- Tulipa ‘Angelique’
- Tulipa ‘Black Parrot’
- Tulipa ‘Candela’
- Tulipa ‘Golden Apeldoorn’
References
- “Tulipa ‘Ice Follies’ (Single Late Group Tulip).” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/68294/i-Tulipa-i-Ice-Follies-(Slip).
- “Tulipa ‘Ice Follies’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=250801&isprofile=0&basic=Tulipa%20Ice%20Follies.
- “How to Grow Tulips.” Gardener’s Supply Company, www.gardeners.com/how-to/tulip-planting-guide/5094.html.
