Did you know that the other term for tulip is Tulipa? Tulips originate from mountainous areas with temperate climates and need a period of cool dormancy. Although tulips are associated with Holland, both the flower and its name originated in the Ottoman Empire. The tulip or lale it is called in Turkey, is a flower indigenous to Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and other parts of Central Asia. They do best in climates with long cool springs and early summers, but they are often grown as spring blooming annual plantings in warmer areas of the world. The bulbs are typically planted in late summer and fall, normally from 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in.) deep, depending of the type planted, in well draining soils. In parts of the world that do not have long cool springs and early summers, the bulbs are often planted up to 12 inches deep; this provides some protection from the heat of summer and tends to force the plants to regenerate one large bulb each year instead of many smaller non blooming ones. This can extend the usefulness of the plants in warmer areas a few years but not stave off the degradation in bulb size and eventual death of the plants.

Tulips were extensively cultivated during the 1500’s. Legend tells of Ferhad, a Persian youth, who fell in love with a young woman. Her name was Shirin and she did not feel the same about him as he did about her. Because of this Ferhad traveled into the desert to die, from a "broken heart." As he began to feel heartache, he started to cry. His tears are said to have turned into beautiful tulips.

Because of this legend, the Persians use the tulip as an offering a young man makes to his beloved.

Since then, the tulip has become a symbol for many different things. Each different color tulip can have a different meaning.

Red tulips symbolize belief and declaration of love. This love is irresistible.

Variegated tulips symbolize beautiful eyes.

A yellow tulip is a symbol of hopeless love.

If only the brides and grooms knew what the color yellow tulip symbolizes, I guess they wouldn’t use that color of a flower for their wedding. Just kidding. These are just beliefs, anyway. Tulips are a very popular type of flower since it is widely available and they are commonly incorporated in wedding flower arrangements. There are lots of people who patronized tulip for its beauty and class. You can get your local flower delivery of these amazing blossoms HERE.