Tulips were introduced to Europe from Turkey in the early to mid 15th. Europeans at that time were hungry for anything different and beautiful. They became fascinated by the lovely new flowers, especially by unusual flamed and feathered varieties. [Later it was discovered that these striking effects were the result of an aphid-borne virus.] In 1634, prices for tulip bulbs skyrocketed in what is considered the first recorded ‘economic bubble’ in history.
Today, flamed and feathered tulips are stable variants and the result of breeding, not viral infection. Flames are the broad licks of contrasting color that rise up petals’ centers, while feathers are the licks of contrasting color that border the top of the flower.