At Irvine Village Flowers, we're excited for the season of Spring to arrive, and nothing heralds the season quite like the arrival of fresh tulips! These elegant, cup-shaped blooms have been stealing hearts for centuries, and they're one of our most requested flowers year after year. Whether you're brightening your home, surprising someone special, or planning a cheerful event, tulips bring instant joy and color.
A Little History: From Ottoman Gardens to Tulip Mania
Tulips originated in Central Asia and became beloved in the Ottoman Empire, where sultans even adorned their turbans with them—giving the flower its name from the Persian word for "turban." They made their way to Europe in the 16th century, sparking "Tulip Mania" in 17th-century Holland. During this wild economic bubble, rare bulbs sold for more than houses! Today, tulips symbolize renewal, perfect love, and the promise of warmer days ahead.
What Do Tulips Mean? Color Symbolism Guide
One of the best things about tulips is how their colors carry special messages—perfect for thoughtful gifts from our shop:
- Red tulips — Classic symbols of true love, passion, and romance. Ideal for anniversaries or Valentine's (yes, they're a close second to roses!).
- Pink tulips — Sweet affection, care, happiness, and congratulations. Great for Mother's Day, birthdays, or showing appreciation.
- White tulips — Purity, forgiveness, peace, and new beginnings. Beautiful for apologies, sympathy, or fresh-start occasions like housewarmings.
- Yellow tulips — Joy, friendship, hope, and sunshine vibes. These cheerful blooms say "You brighten my day!" and make fantastic get-well or friendship gifts.
- Purple tulips — Royalty, elegance, and admiration. Send these to honor someone's grace or success.
- Orange tulips — Enthusiasm, energy, and excitement—perfect for celebrations or encouragement.
We stock a rainbow of varieties so you can mix and match meanings in a single bouquet!
Popular Varieties We Love (and Always Have in Stock)
With over 3,000 tulip varieties out there, here are some customer favorites we feature regularly:
- Darwin Hybrids (like 'Apeldoorn' in bold red or 'Golden Apeldoorn' in sunny yellow) — Tall, sturdy stems and vibrant colors that last beautifully in vases.
- Queen of Night — Deep, velvety purple (almost black) for dramatic, sophisticated arrangements.
- Parrot Tulips — Frilly, ruffled petals in wild multicolors—exotic and eye-catching!
- Double/Peony Tulips — Lush, full blooms that look like mini peonies for extra romance.
- Fringed or Lily-Flowered — Elegant pointed petals or delicate fringes for a unique touch.
Stop by to see what's fresh—we often have limited-edition or novelty colors too!
How to Make Your Tulips Last Longer at Home
Tulips are thirsty and continue to grow in the vase (they can stretch up to 2 inches!), which adds to their graceful, ever-changing beauty. Follow these simple tips for the longest vase life:
- Rehydrate first — When you get home, plunge the entire bunch (stems up to the blooms) in cool water for a few hours or overnight.
- Trim properly — Cut stems at a 45-degree angle under water to prevent air bubbles. Remove any leaves below the waterline.
- Vase setup — Use a tall vase with plenty of cool, clean water (add flower food if provided). Change the water every 1-2 days and recut stems.
- Placement — Keep them in a cool spot away from direct sun, heat, or drafts. They'll bend toward light—embrace the artistic droop!
- Pro tip — Tulips last 7–10+ days with good care, sometimes longer if you start with tight buds.
We always condition our tulips before they leave the shop, so yours arrive ready to shine.
Tulips are more than just flowers—they're a burst of spring optimism. Swing by Bloom & Blossom Flower Shop this week to pick up a bunch (or let us create a custom arrangement!). Whether it's a simple dozen or a vibrant mixed bouquet, tulips never fail to make someone smile.
What's your favorite tulip color or variety? Drop by, share with us, or tag us in your photos—we'd love to see how you're enjoying these spring beauties!
