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Description
Tulipa Marilyn, also known as Marilyn tulip, is a stunning flower that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is a hybrid tulip that was developed by crossing the early-flowering Kaufmanniana tulips with the late-flowering Darwin tulips. Tulipa Marilyn is known for its large and showy flowers that bloom in mid-spring. It has a unique color combination of white and pink, with a dark pink stripe running down the middle of each petal.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Tulipa |
Appearance
Tulipa Marilyn grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and has a width of 4 inches (10 cm). It has long, narrow, and pointed leaves that are green in color. The flowers are large and cup-shaped, with six petals that are white in color with a pink blush. The pink color is concentrated at the base of the petals and forms a dark pink stripe down the middle. The flowers have a slight fragrance and bloom in mid-spring. The bulbs of Tulipa Marilyn are small and round, with a brown papery skin.
Care Guide
Tulipa Marilyn is easy to care for and requires minimal attention. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Tulipa Marilyn prefers well-drained soil and does not require much water. Water the bulbs only when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil in the fall when planting the bulbs. Avoid fertilizing during the growing season.
- Soil: Tulipa Marilyn prefers well-drained and slightly acidic soil. Avoid planting in wet or clay soils.
- Sunlight: Tulipa Marilyn prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Tulipa Marilyn is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tulipa Marilyn is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by the following:
- Squirrels: Squirrels may dig up and eat the bulbs. Protect the bulbs by covering them with wire mesh or planting them with daffodils.
- Botrytis: Botrytis is a fungal disease that causes gray mold on the leaves and flowers. Remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
Tulipa Marilyn is native to the mountainous regions of central Asia, including Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a cold winter and hot, dry summer. Tulipa Marilyn grows well in rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Question and Answer
Q: When should I plant Tulipa Marilyn bulbs?
A: Plant Tulipa Marilyn bulbs in the fall, about 4 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes. This allows the bulbs to establish roots before the winter.
Q: How deep should I plant Tulipa Marilyn bulbs?
A: Plant Tulipa Marilyn bulbs about 6 inches (15 cm) deep and 4 inches (10 cm) apart.
Q: Can Tulipa Marilyn grow in containers?
A: Yes, Tulipa Marilyn can be grown in containers. Use a well-draining potting mix and make sure the container has drainage holes. Place the container in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Q: How long do Tulipa Marilyn flowers last?
A: Tulipa Marilyn flowers last about 2 to 3 weeks.
Related Plants
- Tulipa ‘Angelique’
- Tulipa ‘Apricot Beauty’
- Tulipa ‘Black Parrot’
- Tulipa ‘Carnaval de Nice’
- Tulipa ‘Flaming Parrot’
References
- “Tulipa ‘Marilyn'” Royal Horticultural Society, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/106645/Tulipa-Marilyn/Details.
- “Tulipa ‘Marilyn'” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l770.
- “Tulipa” Pacific Bulb Society, https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Tulipa.
