Crossword Genius

It can look nice even when badly lit up (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tulip

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'it can look nice even' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'badly lit up' is the wordplay.
'badly' indicates anagramming the letters (letters in the wrong order).
'lit'+'up'='litup'
'litup' anagrammed gives 'TULIP'.

'when' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tulip that I've seen before include "Spring-blooming plant" , "Flower of the Netherlands" , "cause of mania once" , "Perennial bulb" , "(Dutch) bloom" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.