Turkestan tulip

tulipa agenensis

Also known as: ["Turkestan tulip","Tulip of Agen"]

Family: Liliaceae Genus: Tulipa Category: Flowers

Overview

A species tulip native to Central Asia, known for its bright red flowers with yellow bases and grass-like leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Liliales
Family: Liliaceae
Genus: Tulipa
Botanical Name: Tulipa agenensis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, raised beds, or containers in temperate climates
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually if bulbs become crowded.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light (removing spent blooms); moderate (dividing bulbs).
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); soft, mushy bulbs (rot); stunted growth (poor soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Avoid deep shade; rotate pots for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay; ensure pots have drainage holes; use raised beds in heavy soils.

Temperature

Cool to moderate (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cold winters for dormancy.

Avoid placing near heat sources; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing in dormancy; apply near roots, not foliage.

Propagation

Methods

Seed or division of bulbs.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Divide offsets.
  2. Plant bulbs 3–4 times their height deep.
  3. Sow seeds shallowly.
  4. Keep moist.

Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer; sow seeds in autumn.

Environment

Warm (60–70°F or 15–21°C); moderate humidity; bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-drained soil mix (e.g., bulb mix with sand); for seeds, use seed-starting mix.

Hormone

Not required for bulb division; optional for seedlings.

Timeline

Bulbs establish in 1 season; seeds take 2–3 years to flower.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, trowel, bulb planter, labels.

Quick Tips

Divide bulbs when crowded; store seeds in a cool, dry place; protect young plants from frost.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip flower stalks at the base; cut foliage only after it has died back.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to conserve energy; allow foliage to yellow naturally; cut back only when fully dormant.

Tools

Sharp scissors, pruners.

Checklist

Remove dead flowers; do not cut foliage prematurely; divide bulbs if necessary.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Late summer/early fall (after dormancy ends).

Pot Size

One size up from current pot; ensure bottom drainage holes.

Method

Use fresh, well-drained soil; plant bulbs 3–4 times their height deep; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot only when bulbs are crowded or every 3–4 years.

Checklist

Check for crowded bulbs; use fresh soil; ensure proper planting depth; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce watering in dormancy.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly during active growth (spring); reduce watering after flowering; avoid waterlogged soil in dormancy (summer).

Soil Improvement

Add sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves (too hot); stunted growth (too cold); bud drop (fluctuating temps).

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause root damage if frozen; requires protection in harsh winters.

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; plant in well-drained soil to prevent frost heave; use frost cloth if needed.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch; reduced flowering; premature dormancy.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use reflective mulch to reduce soil heat.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during growth; stop after flowering.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer; apply every 4–6 weeks during active growth; stop after flowering.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Tulipa agenensis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or viral infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Tulipa agenensis is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, which can impair nutrient uptake and lead to plant decline.

Leaf spots on Tulipa agenensis are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly bulb rot, can affect Tulipa agenensis due to fungal infections or bacterial pathogens, leading to decay of the bulb and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are susceptible to toxicity from Tulipa agenensis, particularly from the bulbs, which contain toxic glycosides that can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic effects.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy depression loss of appetite abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from Tulipa agenensis. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

Ingestion of Tulipa agenensis by dogs can lead to gastrointestinal upset and systemic toxicity due to the presence of toxic glycosides. The bulbs are the most dangerous part.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

If a dog ingests any part of the plant, contact a veterinarian immediately. Prevent access to the plant, especially the bulbs.
Humans
Toxic

Tulipa agenensis contains toxic glycosides that can cause gastrointestinal distress and systemic effects upon ingestion. The bulbs are particularly toxic due to higher concentrations of these compounds.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness headache
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep bulbs and other plant parts away from children and pets. In case of ingestion, seek medical attention immediately.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Tulipa agenensis toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water this tulip?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, especially during dormancy.

Q: Does this tulip require full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Quick Reference
Family: Liliaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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