Parrot Tulips

Parrot tulip bulbs are the pinnacle of the tulip’s long development and intensive breeding. Deeply fringed and ruffled, these large tulips never cease to amaze. But what is it that makes a parrot tulip so intricate?

The fringed edges of these tulips can be subtle or like large crystals on the tips of the petals. Parrot tulip bulbs have this fringing to add to their rumpled and curled blooms. However, during the 1900s much attention was spent on breeding the mutations of many classic bulbs. For example, Rococo Double is a mutation of Couleur Cardinal.

Much like Rembrandt's tulips the object was to capture some of the imperfections of flowers. Happy accidents that the growers could hang onto. It is a remarkable achievement and they are very enjoyable flowers.

Parrot Tulips are an extraordinary addition to any garden, known for their vibrant colours and uniquely ruffled petals. Here’s why you should consider adding these stunning tulips to your garden:

Unique and Exotic Appearance: Parrot Tulips stand out with their dramatic, frilled petals that resemble the feathers of a parrot. Their exotic and eye-catching blooms make them a conversation starter and a focal point in any garden setting.

Vibrant Colour Palette: Available in a spectacular range of colours, including vivid reds, pinks, purples, yellows, and multi-coloured varieties, Parrot Tulips can create a striking visual display. Their bold and dynamic hues can add a burst of colour to any garden landscape.

Large Blooms: Parrot Tulips are known for their large, showy flowers that can measure up to 10 cm across. Their impressive size makes them perfect for creating dramatic floral arrangements and for adding significant visual impact to your garden.

Versatile Planting Options: These tulips are incredibly versatile and can be planted in borders, flower beds, or containers. They can also be used to create stunning focal points in garden designs, making them suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Extended Blooming Period: Blooming in late spring, Parrot Tulips extend the tulip season and ensure your garden remains colourful and lively even after many other tulip varieties have finished blooming.

Easy to Grow: Despite their exotic appearance, Parrot Tulips are relatively easy to grow. They thrive in well-drained soil with adequate sunlight and require minimal care once planted. This makes them an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels.

Excellent Cut Flowers: With their large, vibrant blooms and long, sturdy stems, Parrot Tulips make excellent cut flowers. They add a touch of elegance and flamboyance to any floral arrangement, brightening up indoor spaces.

By choosing Parrot Tulips, you can enjoy their unique beauty and numerous benefits, transforming your garden into a vibrant and enchanting space. Explore our wide selection of Parrot Tulip bulbs at Peter Nyssen and bring a touch of exotic elegance to your garden.

Stephen Teeuw is the 3rd generation of his family to work in the flower bulb industry; he grows hundreds of varieties of new bulbs each year. Here are the parrot tulip bulbs that he would recommend you consider for your garden:

• Black Parrot: Maybe the most modest of the parrot tulips with a much smaller flower, with a lighter weight black parrot stands straight unlike many of the larger parrot tulips.
• Super Parrot: A large mass of swirling and intertwined petals, only exaggerated by the green flames along the seam of the petal. 
• Estalla Rynveld: It feels like a piece of history, growing flowers for the Dutch still-life masters. No two flowers are the same and I love this chaotic clash of shapes and colour.

Planting parrot tulip bulbs correctly is essential to ensure they thrive and produce their stunning, large blooms. Follow these steps for successful planting and growth:

Choose the Right Location: Select a well-draining spot in your garden that receives full or partial sunlight. Parrot tulips need plenty of light to grow strong and healthy.

Prepare the Soil: Before planting, loosen the soil and remove any weeds. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage. Parrot tulips perform best in rich, well-drained soil.

Planting Time: Plant parrot tulip bulbs in the autumn, about 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes. This allows the bulbs to establish roots before winter. November is the best time

Planting Depth and Spacing: Dig holes about 12-15 cm deep and place the bulbs with the pointed end facing upwards. Space the bulbs 10-15 cm apart to give them enough room to grow. Ensure that the bulbs are planted deep enough to support the large, heavy blooms.

Watering: After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly to help them settle into the soil. Maintain a moderate level of moisture throughout their growth period, but avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to bulb rot.

Supporting Large Blooms: Parrot tulips have large flowers that may need additional support. Consider planting them in a sheltered spot to protect them from strong winds. In containers, use deep pots to provide adequate support for their heavy heads.

Post-Bloom Care: After the flowers have bloomed, remove the seed heads to prevent the plant from using energy to produce seeds. Allow the foliage to die back naturally; this process enables the bulbs to store energy for the next growing season. Or lift the bulbs soon after flowering if you are not planning to use them again.

Lifting and Storing Bulbs: In summer, after the foliage has died back, lift the bulbs and remove any very small bulbs. Store the larger bulbs in a cool, dry place until replanting in autumn. This gives them the best chance to flower again the following year.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your parrot tulip bulbs are well cared for and will reward you with a spectacular display of vibrant and unique blooms year after year.

• We are a friendly, family-run business with more than 60 years of experience
• We offer bulk prices and free delivery for orders over £50
• We supply flower bulbs in quantities large and small, for all types of gardeners from the cottage potterer to the professional landscaper 
• With a range of colours and varieties available, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Parrot Tulips typically bloom in late spring, which is slightly later than many other tulip varieties. This extended blooming period ensures that your garden remains vibrant and colourful even after many early and mid-spring flowers have faded. Some, however, are very early like Parrot Prince.

Parrot Tulips can be brought indoors in containers. They make excellent cut flowers due to their large, dramatic blooms and sturdy stems. But they should spend the winter outside to ensure they have a good period of cold weather. 

Parrot Tulips are the result of extensive breeding efforts that began in the 17th century. Originally, they were developed from mutations of existing tulip varieties. Breeders focused on enhancing the unique frilly and ruffled petals, which give Parrot Tulips their distinctive, exotic appearance.

To extend the vase life of cut Parrot Tulips, cut the stems at an angle and place them in fresh water with a floral preservative. Change the water every few days and keep the arrangement in a cool location away from direct sunlight and drafts. Adding a few drops of bleach to the water can help prevent bacterial growth and prolong the blooms' freshness.

Parrot Tulips are not typically used for naturalising due to their specific care requirements and the tendency for their large blooms to need support. They are best enjoyed in garden beds, borders, and containers where they can be given the attention and care they need to thrive and showcase their unique beauty.

Explore our wide selection of parrot tulips and cultivate your colour mixes. And if you’re stuck for what to choose try our Parrot Tulip Mixture to discover new varieties.

For the best results, it’s essential to plant your tulip bulbs under optimal conditions. For tips on enhancing the beauty of your tulips, check out our detailed tulip planting guide.

Please contact us if you have any questions. We’re here to assist with recommendations for stunning colour combinations, help you determine the right number of bulbs for your space, and address any landscape or trade inquiries you might have.