PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full direct sunlight daily to support healthy flowering; avoid shaded planting locations
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent bulb rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; requires 8–12 weeks of cold stratification to break dormancy; avoid prolonged temperatures above 20°C during summer dormancy
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow linear grey-green leaves, 10–20 cm long, arranged in basal rosettes
- Flower: Star-shaped white petals with pink/magenta bases; opens fully in sunlight, closes at night
- Bulb: Small ovoid underground storage bulb with papery brown tunic
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; reduce watering as foliage begins to yellow
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced bulb feed once when shoots emerge. Use low-nitrogen feed to promote bulb strength rather than foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells to a fine powder; sprinkle 1 teaspoon per bulb in early spring; water lightly to release calcium into the soilPruning
- Remove spent flower heads immediately after blooming to prevent seed formation and conserve bulb energy
- Cut back yellowed foliage only after it has fully died back (6–8 weeks post-flowering) to allow nutrients to return to the bulb
- Lift and divide overcrowded bulb clumps in late summer after dormancy begins
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; tulipalin irritates gastrointestinal tract, causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite
Humans: Bulbs contain tulipalin A/B; ingestion causes oral irritation, nausea, or vomiting; sap may cause mild skin rash
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes perfect love and elegant simplicity in Western floral language
Usage: Ornamental garden bulb; cut flower for small table arrangements
