Sometimes it feels like winter will never end, but every year around this time we’re inevitably rewarded with the wonders of spring. Of course, one of the most telling signs of spring – and one of our favorites – is the arrival of tulips!

Despite their brief blooming period, which ranges from a few days to just over a week, tulips are the world’s third most popular flower – trailing only roses and chrysanthemums. With their nearly perfect symmetry made up of elegant lines and rich vibrant colors, it’s no wonder why these beautiful flowers are so popular.

Native to central Asia, and later introduced to Turkey, tulips quickly became an important part of the Turkish culture and remain Turkey’s national flower.

Their popularity really took off around 1560, however, when the flowers were introduced to the Netherlands and were so prized there that they caused the entire economy to collapse. During the height of during that era, a single tulip bulb was worth more than ten times the annual income of a skilled craftsman – making them more valuable than most houses.

Spring Tulips by Boesen the Florist

Today, the Dutch still lead the world in tulip production by growing and producing around three billion tulips each year, although the prices have dropped significantly since then.

As a member of the lily family, tulips are classified as herbaceous perennials, although their bulbs differ from other species in that they are living plants that house self-contained nutrients. When the bulb grows into the flower, the original bulb will disappear, and a clone bulb will form in its place.

Tulips have three petals and three sepals, which are almost the same size and shape as the petals making them appear to have six to a bulb. They can also be found in nearly every color of the rainbow with red being the most popular. Streaking tulips boast two colors instead of one solid color. This unique combination was originally the result of a viral infection, although in modern times this unusual coloring is a deliberate result of breeding.

No matter which color you choose, tulips are an intriguing flower with a rich history – and a terrific choice when sending flowers in the spring. Their extremely vibrant colors make a statement and they also look great in centerpieces for your home or office environment.

Say hello to spring with some tulips from Boesen the Florist. We have many different options for every different occasion including one of our most popular designs, the Spring Tulips. Call us today or order online to enjoy this wonderful springtime treat.

Did You Know?

• There are more than 150 different species of tulips with over 3,000 different varieties known to exist.
• Tulip petals are edible and can be used as a substitute for onions in many recipes, although many people find their taste extremely unpleasant.
• Tulips continue to grow up to one extra inch after they’re cut.
• Tulips will bend and twist to grow towards light – even in a vase.
• By 1636, tulips were traded on exchanges in Dutch cities. The skyrocketing prices caused many people to become suddenly rich or lose fortunes overnight.
• In the Netherlands, tulips represent the briefness of life, but in Turkish culture, they’re a symbol of paradise on earth and have achieved a nearly-divine status.
• Tulips have a short lifespan that typically only lasts for 3-7 days.
• A sap released by daffodils cause tulips to wilt if the two flowers are arranged together.
• Paul McCartney and Fats Domino are among a list of people who have had tulips named after them.