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Overview
Parrot tulips have curly, twisted, fringed petals that look like the feathers of a parrot. That together with the beak-shape of their buds gave them their name.
Most varieties are vibrantly coloured and many are two-toned or striped and as such make a truly flambouyant statement in any garden bed, tub or large planter. Best planted en masse for the most powerful effect.
Parrot tulips bloom mid- to late season and their large blooms can easily be damaged in strong winds or rain, so keep them sheltered for best results.
Excellent cut flowers.
Soil: They need some frost to help flowering and best dug up and dried over summer to replant in autumn. A spell in the fridge prior to planting is the best bet in most areas of the southern parts of Australia.
Maintenance: Apply a balanced top dressing when buds appear and again after flowers die. Keep well watered while approaching and in bloom. Allow foliage to die down before lifting bulbs to store
Diseases: Fungal disease - tulip fire,Tulip virus and aphids which spread it. Watch for snails.
Toxicity: The foliage, stems, roots and berries are all toxic, and in particular the bulbs contain the greatest amount of (tulipalin) toxic chemicals.
Comments: Parrot Tulips were created from mutations of some late-flowering tulips and tulips in the Triumph class.
The Tulip first came to Europe from Turkey to Austria in the 16th century. They soon found their way to Holland where a botanist successfully grew them in the much colder European climate at the University of Leiden.
Tulips soon became hugely popular, being unlike any other garden flower and in the early 17th century Dutch merchants built vast wealth by breeding tulips and exporting them around the world.
Today the Dutch bulb industry celebrates and promotes itself at Keukenhof near Lisse, around 30 mins drive out of Amsterdam. This vast estate that once belonged to a crazy Dutch Queen has now been transformed into the most spectacular showcase for Dutch horticulture and in particular the Tulip.
No matter how many stunning photographs you look at, you'll never really appreciate the mind boggling and stunning beauty of this place unless you make a visit. But for those who can't get to Holland - just click in the main menu above on Inspiration>Select Netherlands>Hit Search>
Author: Bob Saunders.