Tulip is one of the most popular flowers used in flower arrangements. It is also included in the list of the most cultivated flowers in nurseries and flower gardens.

Tulips: Of Legends and Facts

Tulip belongs to the genus Tulipa comprised of about 109 species scattered across the world. The natural habitat of this flower has its central diversity at the mountainous regions of Hindu Kush and Tien Shan. Although there are many species, the Tulipa gesneriana is the most used cultivar. Hybrids are often grown in pots and gardens by many floriculturists.

Persia, while it was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, was among the first countries that cultivated tulips. Their love for the flower was often expressed in their arts and hymns. There was even a legend stating that a young Persian named Farhad fell in love with the maiden Shirin. However, the maiden was killed and this news reached Farhad. Struck buy loneliness and overcame by grief, he rode his horse onto the cliff where he met his own death. His blood drippings became red tulips and symbolised passionate love from then on.

From the Ottoman Empire, the cultivation of tulips became widespread and reached Europe, Asia, and America. Today, Holland has become the leading breeder and supplier of tulips.

The production of tulips as a fresh cut flower is evident by the high exportation rates from tulip-producing countries. A particular statistics showed that in 2009, the single-flowered varieties of tulips accounted for 75.8% of the total turnover sales of tulips. The rest was attributed to other varieties like double-flowered, lilly-flowered, and parrot varieties.

Red tulips still hold the top spot as the most in-demand colour variety. A whopping 37.2% of the total supply of tulips is accounted to the red-petalled tulips, closely followed by the pink tulips at 21.2%. The Yokohama variety leads the top 10 list of the variety of tulips that were produced and sold since 2008. Its closest competitor is the Leen van der Mark variety.

Tulips have been part of many ordinary and special days. Occasions like birthdays and weddings have been made extravagant by flower arrangements that are composed of tulips. It conveys different messages such as imagination, admiration, and love.

Due to the high costs of tulips, it is regarded by many individuals as the Flower of the Rich. However, one can still find low-priced tulips in various online flower shops and online florists. In most instances, the online florists give marked-down prices for their flower arrangements composed of tulips.

Tulips never fail in making events and occasions wonderful, not only due to its expensiveness but due to its beauty and scent. Individuals who received tulips always wear a big smile whenever they receive flower arrangements with tulips. If you are considering making ordinary and special days extra special, think of giving or sending tulips to your special someone or loved ones. Their happiness and smiles will be evidences of how well they liked the flower arrangements composed of elegant tulips.

This article is part of the collection of articles at http://thailandflowersgifts.com.

Kent Masterson is a seasoned retail and online florist with extensive knowledge of Oriental and Western flower arrangements. His keen eye for elegant floral arts as well as his excellent tips and ideas are chronicled on his blog.

Kent Masterson is a seasoned retail and online florist with extensive knowledge of Oriental and Western flower arrangements. His keen eye for elegant floral arts as well as his excellent tips and ideas can be found at http://thailandflowersgifts.com.

Author Bio: Kent Masterson is a seasoned retail and online florist with extensive knowledge of Oriental and Western flower arrangements. His keen eye for elegant floral arts as well as his excellent tips and ideas are chronicled on his blog.

Category: Advice
Keywords: tulips, flowers, flower arrangements, online florists, cut flowers