Tulipa Apricot Parrot

The 'Apricot Parrot' Parrot Tulip, is among the most beautiful creations of the last sixty years. It chooses the month of May to offer its multicoloured and oversized flower, with petals twisted, fringed and variegated like the plumage of exotic birds. 'Apricot Parrot' celebrates spring in a whirlwind of pink-magenta, apricot, fuchsia, yellow and green flames on a peach, amber and cream background. Combine it with silver or dark foliage that will form a superb setting for its flowering.

The 'Apricot Parrot' Tulip belongs to the Liliaceae family. Of horticultural origin, it is a highly appreciated and widely cultivated creation from 1961 belonging to the group of 'Parrot Tulips', whose main characteristic is to present huge flowers with twisted, puffy, tousled, irregularly fringed petals. 'Apricot Parrot' is also obtained by mutation (sudden appearance of new characteristics that are maintained in subsequent generations). It is very large, reaching up to 60 cm (24in) in flower. The stem is flexible, making this variety particularly susceptible to bad weather. The flower, huge, easily measures 15 cm (6in) in diameter. From its formation to its blooming, it is almost uniformly light green. Its variegated colour palette includes different shades of orange, pink, green, and yellow. Each flower has its own personality, and each evolves differently over time. The original shape of the parrot tulip adds an additional charm, making this tulip truly touching and delightful, even when its buds slowly but completely open in a vase, almost ceremoniously, revealing a black star-shaped heart from which the light yellow pistil emerges. Note that the flower is slightly fragrant. The foliage is ample, vigorous, with a pretty bluish green colour, and it disappears in summer. 'Apricot Parrot' is the mother of the 'Silver Parrot' variety.

Rich in colors, stunning and variegated flowers, suitable for both flower beds and bouquets, the fame of parrot tulips is well established. In the 18th century, they were called 'monstrous'; this group developed a lot in the 1930s when it was discovered that irradiating bulbs with X-rays caused this mutation. Already, they are among the most planted varieties. They are most spectacular in a vase. The 'Apricot Parrot' Tulip will adorn a centrepiece or a baroque bouquet with red peonies, purple irises, soft pink roses, and white lilies.

Unmatched for adding whimsy to pots or sunny gardens, don't forget to consider the height and flowering period of your tulips when designing your flower beds, 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 cut flowers that last a long time in a vase.