Tulipa Holland Happening

Tulipa 'Holland Happening' is rather rare in cultivation, but it is one of the most brilliantly coloured in this division of tulips. The outside of its flower is bright red. It is adorned with superb patterns in the shape of variegated flames of yellow and green at the centre of the petals. It belongs to the Parrot Group of tulips, which bear unusual flowers with bloated and frayed petals. The stem is quite short and sturdy. It works well in the garden, in pots and containers, and bouquets. This fantastic flower blooms in May, bringing the tulip season to a splendid close.

Tulipa 'Holland Happening' belongs to the Liliaceae family. Of horticultural origin, it was introduced in 1986. It is currently classified in the group of 'parrot tulips', whose main characteristic is the presence of huge flowers with twisted, bloated, tousled, irregularly fringed petals. 'Holland Happening' is obtained through mutation (the sudden appearance of new characteristics that are maintained in subsequent generations). It is of medium size (50cm (20in)) and its flower is impressively large, exceeding 14cm (6in) in width. The petals are deep red, flamed with vibrant green and yellow in their central area. The unique shape of the parrot tulip adds an extra charm, making this tulip anything but boring, especially when its buds slowly open in a vase. In the sun, the large flowers open almost flat, revealing a star-shaped heart from which the light-yellow pistil emerges. The foliage is ample and vigorous, with a pretty bluish-green shade. It withers a few weeks after flowering, when the bulb enters its dormant period.

Parrot Group tulips are renowned for their rich colours, stunning and variegated flowers, and suitability in flower beds and bouquets. In the 18th century, they were considered monstrous. This group developed a lot in the 1930s, when it was discovered that irradiating bulbs with X-rays caused this mutation. They are unmatched for bringing the colours of spring to pots or sunny gardens. This tulip beautifully decorates balconies and patios. When designing your flower beds, you must consider the height and flowering period of the tulips, as these parameters can vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is wise to plant extra bulbs for bouquets, as they make superb cut flowers that last a long time in a vase. 'Holland Happening' pairs particularly well with the 'Super Parrot' tulip, which has green and white flowers.