Tulip ‘Belicia’ offers a captivating display with unique color-changing petals and multi-flowered stems, making it a distinctive spring bloom.
Exploring Tulip Belicia
Tulip ‘Belicia’ is a Double Early tulip with lush, peony-like blooms and numerous ruffled petals. Its flowers transform in color as they mature. Petals emerge with a soft lemon or creamy white base, accented by carmine-red or hot pink edges. As blooms open, yellow tones soften to creamy white, while red or pink margins deepen to a richer red or burgundy.
‘Belicia’ is notable for its multi-flowering habit, producing several blooms per sturdy stem, creating a fuller display resembling a small bouquet. Mature height ranges from 30 to 50 centimeters (12 to 20 inches), suitable for various garden applications. Robust stems also contribute to wind resilience.
Planting and Growing Belicia Tulips
Plant ‘Belicia’ tulip bulbs in mid to late autumn, several weeks before the ground freezes. This allows bulbs to establish a healthy root system before winter. Planting too early, when soil temperatures are warm, can increase disease risk. Indicators include consistent nighttime temperatures in the 40s Fahrenheit or falling tree leaves.
‘Belicia’ tulips thrive in full sun (at least six hours daily). Partial shade is tolerated, but ample sunlight enhances color vibrancy and stem sturdiness. Well-drained soil is crucial for tulip success, as overly wet conditions cause bulb rot. Sandy loam soil is recommended, providing aeration while retaining adequate moisture.
Loosen soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches for root development. Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and nutrient content. Tulips prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Plant bulbs pointed end up, two to three times their height deep (typically 6-8 inches). Space bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart for proper growth and air circulation. After planting, thoroughly water to settle soil around bulbs and encourage initial root establishment.
Caring for and Enjoying Your Belicia Tulips
After planting, ‘Belicia’ tulips have minimal watering needs, preferring drier soil. Water once a week for the first month, then rely on natural rainfall. During prolonged dry spells in late winter and early spring, provide about 17mm (2/3 inch) of water per week for healthy development. Avoid overwatering, especially in summer, as this causes bulb rot.
Fertilization supports robust growth and blooming. Incorporate a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when planting in fall. In spring, as shoots emerge, apply a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-10-10) for vigorous growth. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) prevents energy expenditure on seed production, redirecting it to the bulb for stronger blooms next year. Snip the flower stem just above the first healthy leaves.
Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally; leaves photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for the next growing season. Premature foliage removal weakens bulbs. ‘Belicia’ is hardy in USDA Zones 3-8; bulbs typically do not need lifting if soil is well-drained and summers are not excessively wet. In areas with heavy clay soil or very wet summers, lift bulbs after foliage dies back and store them in a cool, dry place until fall to improve reblooming chances.
‘Belicia’ tulips are versatile for garden beds, borders, containers, and as cut flowers. They bloom in late spring, adding vibrant color.