Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit
Tulipa Black Parrot is an award-winning parrot tulip, celebrated as one of the darkest and most dramatic tulips available. This heirloom variety, introduced in 1937, continues to captivate gardeners with its stunning black-purple blooms that exude a sense of mystery and elegance. Each flower boasts large, frilled petals with feathery edges, creating a ruffled appearance reminiscent of a parrot's plumage, making it one of the most visually striking tulips you can grow.
As late spring arrives, Black Parrot tulips make their entrance, producing these exquisite, cup-shaped flowers on tall, sturdy stems that reach up to 20 inches in height. The blooms, with their deep, velvety hue, are set against a backdrop of strappy grey-green leaves, adding to the overall allure of the plant. These tulips are not only visually stunning in the garden but also make exceptional cut flowers. Their unique, dark coloration and intricate petal structure make them an enchanting choice for bouquets and mixed floral arrangements, adding a touch of sophistication to any indoor display.
A Tulipa gesneriana cultivar, Black Parrot is a bulbous perennial often grown as an annual. However, in ideal growing conditions, these tulips may naturalize, returning for several years with their striking beauty. Black Parrot tulips thrive when planted in groups in garden beds, borders, or in sweeping drifts under deciduous trees. They mix beautifully with other spring-blooming bulbs, and by planting a variety of tulips, you can extend the flowering season, ensuring a continuous display of color and texture throughout the spring.
These tulips also excel in patio pots, where their dramatic blooms can be showcased close to walkways or seating areas. Additionally, Black Parrot tulips can be forced indoors for a captivating winter display, bringing their unique beauty indoors during the colder months. Their deep, ruffled blooms are particularly well-suited to cottage gardens, informal garden styles, and rock gardens, where their bold appearance can be fully appreciated.
Cold hardy to USDA Zone 3, Black Parrot tulips are easy to grow and low-maintenance, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. They perform best in sunny garden spots, although in warmer climates, some light shade can help keep the blooms cool and extend their flowering period. These tulips prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. For optimal results, plant the bulbs in the fall, spacing them 4 to 8 inches apart and at a depth of 4 to 8 inches. Begin feeding with a balanced fertilizer, such as Espoma Organic® Bulb-tone® Bulb and Flower Food, in early spring as soon as growth begins. This will support robust flowering in both the current and following seasons.
After the flowers have bloomed, it is essential to remove the spent blooms promptly to direct the plant's energy back to the bulb. However, allow the foliage to die back naturally, as the leaves continue to photosynthesize, storing energy for next year's growth. In USDA Zones 8-10, where winters are mild, it is advisable to lift and refrigerate the bulbs for at least eight weeks to ensure successful blooming the following spring.
With its deep, frilled petals and unparalleled dark hues, Tulipa Black Parrot stands out as a unique and elegant choice for any garden. Whether featured in a mixed border, a striking container display, or as part of a sophisticated bouquet, these tulips bring a touch of drama and refinement to any setting.
Planting bulbs is straightforward and fills your garden with reliable bursts of color and seasonal delights. With our Bulb Planting Chart and Bulb Care Instructions, you'll find everything you need to create a vibrant, flourishing garden. From selecting the perfect spot to caring for your bulbs, these articles are your go-to resource for cultivating beauty and success with bulbs in your garden.
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