Tulipa 'White Lizzard'

This Parrot Tulip 'White Lizzard' is a fairly recent variety of parrot tulip that offers an unusual range of shades in a tangy pastel palette. It belongs to a group of highly original tulips formerly known as "Dragonnes," which have puffy and fringed petals. Its satin white dress reveals an oddly smoked mauve and acid yellow-green reverse. The inside of the flower is a solid white. Its short and sturdy stem makes it an excellent candidate for sunny borders. Late flowering, in May.

'White Lizzard' Tulip, introduced in 2007, belongs to the Lily family. Originally horticultural, it is now classified in the group of 'Parrot Tulips,' which are characterized by their huge flowers with twisted, puffy, disheveled, and irregularly fringed petals. 'White Lizzard' is also a mutation (the sudden appearance of new characteristics that are maintained in subsequent generations). It has a compact habit (averaging 35cm (14in)) and its long-lasting flower reaches 12cm (5in) in width. The original shape of the parrot tulip adds an extra charm to its colouring, making it far from monotonous, especially when its buds slowly open in a vase, almost ceremoniously. In the sun, the large flowers open almost flat, revealing a dark star-shaped centre from which the light yellow pistil emerges. The foliage is ample, vigorous, and a vibrant green.

With their fantastic and variegated flowers, which can be used both in flowerbeds and to enhance your bouquets, the reputation of parrot tulips is well established. 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. With their very baroque charm, they are among the most original varieties. Unmatched for bringing fantasy to pots or sunny gardens, don't forget to consider the height and flowering period when designing your flowerbeds, as these parameters vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is wise to plant a few more bulbs for cutting, as they make beautiful long-lasting cut flowers. The flower of 'White Lizzard' combines well with those of the 'Exquisit', 'China Town', or 'Victoria's Secret' tulips.