Tulipa Parrot Prince - Parrot Tulip

Fringed, twisted petals in a very chic purplish pink, with a glossy texture that reflects the light beautifully, characterise the flowers of this new Parrot Prince parrot tulip. Perched on sturdy stems, its late flowering in a flattering colour perfectly complements that of perennials. It also makes an excellent cut flower, to include in a baroque-inspired bouquet.

Tulip 'Prince Parrot' belongs to the Liliaceae family. Of horticultural origin, it is currently classified in the 'Parrot Tulips' group, whose main characteristic is to produce enormous flowers with twisted, swollen, ruffled and irregularly fringed petals. 'Prince parrot' was also obtained through mutation (the sudden appearance of new characteristics that persist through subsequent generations). It is fairly tall (50 cm), and its flower is a good size. It stands out for its ability to reflect light, bringing its purplish pink petals to life beneath a unique glaze. The original form of the parrot tulip adds further charm, making this tulip anything but monotonous, particularly when its buds slowly open in a vase, almost ceremoniously. Flowering takes place in May, celebrating the end of the tulip season in grand style.

A wealth of colours, breathtaking and variegated flowers, equally suitable for beds and for enhancing your bouquets: the reputation of parrot tulips is well established. In the 18th century, they were described as 'monstrose'; this group developed considerably in the 1930s, when it was discovered that irradiating bulbs with X-rays caused this mutation. They are already among the most widely planted varieties. Unrivalled for bringing a touch of whimsy to pots or sunny gardens, remember to consider the height and flowering period when planning your beds, as these characteristics vary considerably from one cultivar to another. It is wise to plant a few extra bulbs for cutting, as they make superb cut flowers that last a long time in a vase.

About botanical species: tulip species occur across most of the Old World, from Western Europe to China and Japan, via Eastern Europe, Asia Minor and Central Asia. Their range also extends across North Africa and the Indian subcontinent. The centre of diversity of the genus lies in the Pamir and Hindu Kush mountains and in the steppes of Kazakhstan. 

Several wild species occur in France, many of which are threatened. These include either large tulips that grow as weeds in cultivated land, the best known being the Agen tulip (Tulipa agenensis), or small tulips found in wooded areas or among mountain rocks. In cultivation, they are called "species tulips", and one of the most common is the wild tulip (Tulipa sylvestris), which once often grew sheltered by vineyards and whose subspecies australis is known as the southern tulip.