Tulipa Caribbean Parrot - Parrot Tulip

The 'Caribbean Parrot' Parrot Tulip is perfectly exotic, with a finely carved and flamed plumage in crimson red on a saffron-gold background that fades into apricot. A flower shape and colour that attract all eyes and bring colour to even the most modest garden. Simply brilliant, this variety deserves a prominent place in a flower bed or in a pretty pot on the terrace. At home, it allows for the creation of fantastic bouquets, in the style of Flemish masters.

The 'Caribbean Parrot' Tulip belongs to the Liliaceae family. Of horticultural origin, introduced to the market in 2012, it is currently classified in the group of 'Parrot Tulips', whose main characteristic is the presence of huge flowers with twisted, puffed, tousled, and irregularly fringed petals. 'Caribbean Parrot' is obtained through mutation (the sudden appearance of new characteristics that are maintained in subsequent generations). It is a plant that reaches about 50 cm (20in) in height when flowering. Perched on the stems, above beautiful broadly lanceolate leaves, the breathtaking flowers, with a diameter of at least 15 cm (6in), are all different, in a palette of golden yellow, saffron yellow, golden apricot, and crimson red. Their petals are finely fringed at the edges, further enhancing their exotic appearance. The inside of the corolla is also variegated, occupied by very dark stamen anthers. Flowering takes place at the end of April or beginning of May, towards the end of the tulip season. The foliage yellows and then dries out a few weeks after flowering, as the bulb goes into dormancy.

With their rich colours, whimsical and variegated flowers, suitable for both flower beds and bouquets, parrot tulips never cease to amaze tulip enthusiasts. In the 18th century, they were called 'monstrous'; this group developed significantly in the 1930s, when it was discovered that irradiating bulbs with X-rays caused this mutation. They are among the most appreciated varieties for making bouquets. Don't forget to consider the height and flowering period when designing your flower beds, as these parameters vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is wise to plant a few extra bulbs for cutting, as they make beautiful cut flowers that last a long time in a vase. To hide the absence of your Parrot Tulips in summer, consider planting the bulbs among perennials such as heucheras, lady's mantle, or perennial geraniums.