Meaning Of Tulip

Different tulip colors carry distinct meanings - yellow tulips symbolizing cheerful thoughts, white conveying forgiveness and purple representing royalty.

A Turkish legend may be responsible for the red tulip's symbolism. The story goes that a prince named Farhad was love struck by a maiden named Shirin. When Farhad learned that Shirin had been killed, he was so overcome with grief that he killed himself - riding his horse over the edge of a cliff. It's said that a scarlet tulip sprang up from each droplet of his blood, giving the red tulip the meaning "perfect love."

Some may associate Tulips with Holland but in fact tulips have their origins in what was described as the western Mediterranean and parts of Central Asia like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Turkey. Some species of Tulips can also be found growing wild in northern Africa, southern Europe, and in Japan

Originally from Persia and Turkey, tulips were brought to Europe in the 16th century, where they got their common name from the Turkish word for gauze (with which turbans were wrapped) - reflecting the turban-like appearance of a tulip in full bloom.

The 11th wedding anniversary flower , it's said that the tulip’s velvety black center represents a lover's heart, darkened by the heat of passion.

Tulips blossom in early to late spring, depending on the climate in which they are planted. Cut tulips are primarily enjoyed during the same season, although they are now commercially grown to be available as a cut flower all year long.

With the power to rival roses it’s no wonder that in addition to all its other symbolism, in the language of flowers, a tulip bouquet represents elegance and grace.

View our list of Tulips

How to Care for Fresh Cut Tulips

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