Tulipa Exotic Parrot - Parrot Tulip

This 'Exotic Parrot' tulip is,  among the range of parrot tulips, undoubtedly the one with the tightest undulations on the edge of the petals, giving the flower a unique personality. An unusual shape combined with a remarkable 'ruffled' plumage of red, green, and white. This variety of solid tulips withstands the weather well. Whimsical and fantastic, it deserves a place of honour in a flower bed or in a pretty pot on the terrace. At home, it allows you to compose fabulous bouquets, in the manner of Flemish masters.

The 'Exotic Parrot' Tulip belongs to the Liliaceae family. Of horticultural origin, introduced in 2003, it is currently classified in the group of 'parrot tulips', whose main characteristic is to have huge flowers with twisted, puffy, disheveled, irregularly fringed petals. 'Exotic Parrot' is also obtained through mutation (sudden appearance of new characteristics that are maintained in subsequent generations). It is a fairly stocky young plant that will reach a height of 45cm (18in) when in bloom. Perched on the stems, above the broadly lanceolate leaves, the stunning flowers, with a minimum diameter of 12cm (5in), are all different, in a palette of red and green tones with a hint of white. The flowering takes place in April or early May, towards the end of the tulip season.

With their wealth of colours, stunning 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 a lot in the 1930s, when it was discovered that irradiating bulbs with X-rays caused this mutation. They are among the most popular varieties for making bouquets. Unequaled for bringing whimsy to pots or sunny gardens, 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 more bulbs for cutting, as they make beautiful cut flowers that last a long time in a vase.