Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker - Tulip Tree Fairy

Our stalks are very straight and tall,
Our colours clear and bright;
Too many-hued to name them all  
Red, yellow, pink, or white.

And some are splashed, and some, maybe,
As dark as any plum.
From tulip-fields acrossthe sea
To England did we come.

We were a peaceful country's pride,
And Holland is its name.
Now in your gardens we abide  
Aren't you glad we came?

The association of the popular tulip with Holland has led many to believe that it is native to that country; however, the tulip was brought from Constantinople in the mid to late 1500s. The name "tulip" is derived from the Persian word "turban," which the inverted flower resembles. The tulip is a member of the lily family, and is represented by approximately 100 species, although few are found outside botanical gardens. There are many tulip types which provide the gardener with a wide variety of types of bloom, times of bloom, sizes, and colors. Tulips make a more effective display when planted in masses of one variety and color. However, a number of varieties will assure a longer season of bloom and show of color. For vivid garden displays, mix tulips with other spring bulbs, perennials, spring-flowering shrubs, and annuals.