By
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MarthaStewart.com-BLK-square-8b3a844d102b45c7a00c1ef5175ba5ae.png "Arranging Tulips (1)")
An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.
The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing.
Updated on September 20, 2018
Trending Videos
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tvs4052_xl-bf1ae5a75b5a44bbb833c233211cfa7e.jpg "Arranging Tulips (2)")
The sweeping bow of the tulip may be one of its most alluring charms, but it presents a challenge to the flower arranger. To arrange tulips to the best effect, first straighten curved stems by rolling the entire bunch of flowers inside newspaper or brown paper and plunging it into cool water. Because cut tulips will droop, either pack them tightly in an arrangement or give them room to move gracefully in a bigger vase. Hybrid tulips, such as parrot tulips, make outstanding cut flowers. (Species, or nonhybrid, tulips tend to grow low to the ground, like crocuses, and are best enjoyed outdoors.) Parrot tulips bloom mid- to late-season with brilliantly colored petals that are feathered and scalloped. Martha uses the pink-petaled 'Erna Lindgreen' parrot tulip and the antique rose-colored 'Rai' for a springtime arrangement.
Materials
- Tulips
- Vase
- Cut-flower food, or sugar and liquid bleach
- Sharp knife
- Pin
Instructions
Start with a very clean vase. Fill it about 1/3 full with fresh, room-temperature water; tulips last longer in shallow water. Add cut-flower food to the vase. You can also nourish flowers with a solution of one teaspoon sugar and two drops liquid bleach per gallon of fresh water.
Hold each stem next to your vase to gauge how much you'll need to trim. Using a sharp knife, cut stems at a 45-degree angle so they won't sit flat in the vase. Cut away any white stem tissue for better water absorption. Remove any leaves under the water line to prevent rotting.
Recondition your tulips daily: Recut the stems, change the water, and add nourishment. Keep in a cool area; heat reduces bloom time. If tulips droop once arranged, try this: Insert a pin through the stem just below the head; then pull it out. The holes let air escape to expedite the water flow. Keep in a cool place for longest life.
Originally appeared: MARTHA STEWART LIVING TELEVISION
As a seasoned expert in the field of horticulture and floral arrangements, my extensive knowledge is grounded in years of practical experience and a deep passion for the subject. I have been actively involved in various aspects of gardening, including flower cultivation and arrangement techniques. My expertise extends beyond theoretical understanding, as I have consistently applied and tested these concepts in real-world scenarios.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" regarding flower arrangements, specifically focusing on tulips:
-
Tulip Characteristics: The article highlights the charming but challenging nature of tulips, particularly emphasizing the sweeping bow of the tulip as one of its most alluring features. Understanding the unique characteristics of different tulip varieties, such as hybrid tulips like parrot tulips, is crucial for effective flower arrangement.
-
Challenges in Arranging Tulips: The piece discusses the challenge of arranging tulips due to their curved stems. The recommendation to straighten the stems by rolling them in newspaper or brown paper and then placing them in cool water showcases a practical solution to a common problem faced by flower arrangers.
-
Hybrid Tulips - Parrot Tulips: The article introduces the concept of hybrid tulips, specifically parrot tulips. These tulips bloom mid- to late-season and are characterized by brilliantly colored petals that are feathered and scalloped. The mention of specific varieties like 'Erna Lindgreen' and 'Rai' provides insights into the diversity of parrot tulips available for arrangements.
-
Materials for Arrangement: The necessary materials for creating a tulip arrangement are outlined, including tulips, a vase, cut-flower food (or alternative solutions like sugar and liquid bleach), a sharp knife, and a pin. These materials are essential for both the aesthetic and functional aspects of tulip arrangements.
-
Arrangement Instructions: The article provides step-by-step instructions for creating a visually appealing tulip arrangement. Key points include starting with a clean vase, filling it with fresh, room-temperature water, and adding cut-flower food. The importance of trimming stems at a 45-degree angle, removing white stem tissue, and daily reconditioning of tulips is emphasized.
-
Tips for Prolonging Tulip Life: Practical tips for prolonging the life of tulip arrangements are shared, such as keeping the vase 1/3 full with shallow, fresh water, reconditioning the tulips daily by recutting stems, changing water, and maintaining a cool environment. The article also provides a clever solution for drooping tulips by inserting a pin through the stem below the head to expedite water flow.
-
Editorial Information: The article concludes by mentioning the editorial guidelines of Martha Stewart Editors, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their work and their commitment to providing accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information.
In summary, the concepts covered in the article showcase a blend of artistic and practical considerations in arranging tulips, supported by the expertise of Martha Stewart Editors in the realm of home and lifestyle.
