Parrot Tulip 'Blue Parrot' - 15 pieces

CHF 19.90

Parrot Tulip 'Blue Parrot' - 15 pieces

Name: Parrot Tulip 'Blue Parrot' - 15 pieces
Brand: Tulipa
Price: 19.90 CHF
Availability: OutOfStock

Tulip 'Blue Parrot'

CHF 19.90

Fringed, wavy parrot flowers
Violet mauve with a bluish sheen
Large flowers about 12 cm across
Late flowering in May, height about 45–55 cm
Thick, long-lasting petals

'Blue Parrot' is a historic parrot tulip with large, wavy and fringed flowers. The colour is a violet mauve with a bluish, sometimes bronze sheen, deeper violet inside. It flowers late, in May, and is an eye-catcher in the border and the vase.

About this variety

'Blue Parrot' arose as a sport of 'Bleu Aimable' and is one of the old parrot tulips. The petals are notched, waved and feathery-fringed. Their colour is a violet mauve with a bluish sheen, sometimes washed with bronze outside and darker inside. The flowers reach about 12 cm and open almost flat.

At about 45–55 cm it is a focal point in beds, borders and large containers. With other parrot tulips or white late tulips it creates an unusual picture, while forget-me-nots and columbines form a calm frame. In a wildlife garden or meadow it looks like an exotic guest. A somewhat sheltered spot is beneficial. Plant at least 15 bulbs together so the large flowers work as a group rather than getting lost individually in the border.

In the vase the thick petals last well, and the flowers change shape daily. Bees hardly use it. Like most garden tulips it flowers best in its first year, so replanting is worthwhile.

Planting

Plant the bulbs from September to December, in Switzerland ideally in October and November when the soil has cooled. Set them 10–15 cm deep, tip upwards, 10–12 cm apart. 'Blue Parrot' looks best in groups of 10 or more. Choose a sunny spot with free-draining soil; in heavy soil add a little sand or grit to the planting hole. In pots the bulbs can sit closer together.

Care

The soil should not dry out while the plants are sprouting and flowering, so water in dry spring weather. After flowering remove the seed head, but leave the foliage until it has turned yellow. The bulbs can stay in the ground; since garden tulips flower best in their first year, it is worth replanting or lifting the bulbs once the foliage has died back and storing them dry. To protect against voles, it is best to plant in a wire basket. In winter, stand large containers where they will not be permanently wet.

Specifications

Botanical name: Tulip 'Blue Parrot'
Genus: Tulips
Class: Parrot tulips
Supplied as: Flower bulbs
Flower colour: Purple
Flower size: 12 cm
Fragrant: No
Flowering time: May
Flowering season: Late spring
Foliage colour: Mid-green
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 15 cm
Habit: Upright
Position: Sun
Suitable for: Bed, Bed edge and border, Pot and container, Wildlife garden and meadow, Cutting garden
Soil type: Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Drainage: Well-drained
Soil moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil note: Suitable for many Swiss garden soils. A loose structure and good drainage matter more than a particular soil type.
Planting time: September, October, November, December
Planting depth: 4–6 inches
Spacing: 4–5 in
Number per m²: 80
Hardiness in Switzerland: Hardy in Switzerland
Hardiness by location: Hardy, also at higher altitudes
Hardiness zone (USDA): 3–4
Overwintering note: Generally hardy in garden soil in Switzerland. At high, windy sites and in containers, plan extra winter protection and avoid winter wet.
For containers: Well suited to containers
Container note: Suitable for sufficiently deep pots. Avoid waterlogging and let the foliage die back completely after flowering.
Cut flower: Suitable as a cut flower
Naturalising: Partly suitable
Naturalising note: Can return for several years. Spreading on its own is not guaranteed for this variety, however.
For bees and butterflies: Not attractive to pollinators
Deer and rodent resistant: No
Edible: Not edible
Toxicity: Harmful if eaten; contact with the plant can irritate the skin. Keep away from children and pets and wear gloves when planting.
RHS hardiness: H6