All Tulips Look Alike...or Do They?

Are you one of those people who have a preconceived idea that all tulips look alike? Do you have the usual stereotyped picture of a tulip in your mind? You know the ones. Like the tulip pictures kids draw in school where the tulips all have a rounded bottom and three or four spikes at the top as the flower.

Well, believe it or not, there are several different flower types that sit atop a tulip stem. There can be shiny petals forming a bell-shaped, bowl-shaped or starry flower on top of each leafless stalk of a tulip.

Those tulips you pictured in your mind can be readily seen in the Lily-Flowered Tulips. Most often these are single flowers with long pointed petals that reflex at their tips. You might also see some similarity in the stereotyped idea of tulips in those small cup shaped flowers of the Single Early Tulips or the Triumph Tulips which have single flowers that are conical at first and then rounded. The similarities might even be seen in the Single Late Tulips, Rembrandt, Darwinian or Cottage Tulips.

So then, let's ask again, do all tulips look alike? Well, actually, no. True, there are many that fit the stereotype however, there are also those tulips that actually do look different.
There are the Double Early or Double Late Tulips with their long-lasting cup-shaped blooms chock full of flowers. Often referred to as being peony-like, some of these tulips may suffer from being too heavy for their stems.

There are also the Botanical Tulips with a wide range of flower shapes. Varieties and hybrids in which all or some of the original tulip features are present and some of the flowers open into colorful star-like blooms, also.

Then there are the Fringed Tulips. Single flowers with petals which are finely fringed at the edges, these showy blooms make for a beautiful focal point in any garden area.

Let's remember the Parrots, too, with their deeply frilled and wavy petals. These very large single flowers are the most spectacular of all Tulips. Quite eye-catching in the garden, these flamboyant blooms give an almost exotic appearance.

Yes, it's true, there are a lot of tulips that do look alike; however, there are just as many tulips with a very distinct look all their own.

About the Author
Robin, a gardening enthusiast, published and manages a website for people wanting to get their flower garden set up quickly 'n easily. You can check out some easy care plants on her site at Gardening Quick 'n Easy.

Gerbera daisy

There are about thirty different types of gerbera daises. You'll find that there are traditionally found in South America, Asia, Madagascar, and Africa. There are also other types of daisies, such as the Transvaal daisy or Barberton daisy. You'll want to keep in mind that the gerbera is brightly colored. You'll find that they come in a wide range of yellows, oranges, whites, pinks, or reds.

It is one flower; however, it is composed of hundreds of little flowers. It happens to be a very nice daisy to grow. First, you get to see the wonderful colors, but you are also able to grow something simple and carefree.

You don't have to waste a lot of time on growing daisies, however, you'll want to consider having a garden filled with daisies, because it's the only way that you'll be able to still keep it simple, classy, and easy. You'll also find that there are ways that you can mix and match the different types of daisies. This way you are able to get the best of both worlds.

Gerbera daisies are very popular and they are also widely used for decorative potting gardens, borders, and just accents to gardens. You will find that you can cut them and bring them into your home. When you bring these flowers into the house you'll be able to add some color to any room, but still be able to keep it traditional and simple.

These flowers are very unique because they have black centers. You'll find that they also can have several different colors when it comes to the petals. The petals can range in different hues to completely different colors. You'll find that this flower is one of the most used flowers when it comes to arrangements. You'll find that it comes fifth to the rose, carnation, tulip, and chrysanthemum.

If you are thinking about getting some seeds and planting these flowers you'll find that they can be very nice. You'll also be able to get these flowers as plants and be able to skip the seedling stage. If you would like you could always go to the local greenhouse and pick up some seeds, but then go home and grow them into seedling plants. This is a great way to become more evolved in the process.

Gerbera daisies are very different then the traditional daisy. First, you'll find that this daisy is much bigger. You'll also find that this daisy comes in only bright colors. Finally, you'll notice that the centers are black (usually). This is one of the best flowers to put into your garden because it is so simple to take care of, but also they make a lovely garden.

About the Author
Cheryl is a freelance garden writer. Find more articles by Cheryl at http://www.backyardliving.com