Tulipa Black Parrot Tulip Bulbs

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit

Plant Tulipa Black Parrot bulbs in fall before the first frost, and late the next spring, they begin to flower. Black Parrot is a famous heirloom tulip, dating back to 1937, celebrated for its bewitching black-purple blooms with large, dramatically frilled and feathery-edged petals that give them a ruffled appearance, evocative of a parrot's plumage. Borne singly atop tall, sturdy stems rising to about 20 inches, the cuppy flowers sit above strappy grey-green leaves, flaunting their truly unique, rare, and unrivalled beauty. Excellent cut flowers, they make enchanting bouquets and mixed floral arrangements.

A Tulipa gesneriana cultivar, Black Parrot is a bulbous perennial, typically grown as an annual. However, in ideal growing conditions, Black Parrot tulips may naturalize and return for several years. Tulips look their best when planted in groups in beds and borders, in masses under deciduous trees in the landscape, or in large sweeping drifts in open woodlands. Tulips mix well with other spring-blooming bulbs and planting several different varieties of tulips will extend the flowering time. Tulips make a great ground cover, which can be especially useful for controlling erosion during spring rains. They also grow well in patio pots and can be forced for indoor blooms in winter. Tulips work beautifully in any style garden, but they're a must-have for cottage, informal, and rock gardens.

Cold hardy to Zone 3, Black Parrot tulips are easy to grow, low maintenance plants that typically grow best in sunny garden spots; however, some light shade may help keep them cool and extend their bloom time, especially in warmer climates. Tulips prefer average to nutrient-rich, free-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. When planting, allow adequate space between bulbs and plant them at the proper depth—4 to 8 inches apart and 4 to 8 inches deep. Start feeding bulbs with a well-balanced fertilizer, such as Espoma Organic® Bulb-tone® Bulb and Flower Food, as soon as growth begins in spring to encourage robust flowering in both the current season and the following spring season. Remove spent flowers immediately but allow the leaves to turn yellow and wither before removing. In USDA Zones 8-10, lift and refrigerate the bulbs for at least eight weeks.

Visit our Bulb Supplies page to find all the tools and materials you need to plant and maintain your bulb plants successfully.