Tulipa Black Parrot Tulip Bulbs
Best choice for gardeners seeking dramatic, late-spring floral displays.
Discover the captivating allure of the Black Parrot Tulip, an heirloom variety dating back to 1937 and honored with the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit. These bulbs produce striking, large blooms featuring dramatically frilled, black-purple petals that evoke a parrot's vibrant plumage. Growing to approximately 20 inches tall on sturdy stems, they bloom in late spring, adding bewitching color to your garden. Ideal for beds, borders, or containers, they also excel as exquisite cut flowers. While often grown as an annual, they may naturalize in favorable conditions, returning year after year. Plant these bulbs in fall for a spectacular spring display.
$31.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1570
/ 3183
#1570 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
+35%
Above average
Pack Size
12
/ bulbs
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a bold, high-drama focal point
- Planners wanting to extend their garden's vibrant color season
- Floral designers looking for sophisticated, long-lasting cut flowers
Who should skip it
- Gardeners wanting low-maintenance plants that never require staking
- Shade-garden owners who lack full sun exposure
- Budget-conscious gardeners seeking reliable, long-term perennial naturalization
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Dramatic frilled petals create a striking focal point in any garden.
Heirloom Pedigree
A historic 1937 variety backed by prestigious horticultural recognition.
Floral Versatility
Sturdy stems make these an exceptional choice for indoor cut arrangements.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort planting requirements make these accessible for gardeners of all levels.
Naturalization Potential
Capable of returning annually under the right environmental conditions.
Container Adaptability
Compact growth habit fits perfectly into pots and smaller patio spaces.
Key Specs
Pack Size
12 bulbs
Genus
Tulipa
Species
gesneriana
Hardiness Zones
3 - 7
Mature Height
20 inches
Mature Width
8 inches
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Part Shade
Planting Depth
8 inches
Features
- Features dramatically frilled, parrot-like petals.
- Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
- Bewitching black-purple blooms.
- Heirloom variety dating back to 1937.
- Excellent for cut flower arrangements.
- Easy to grow and low maintenance.
- Suitable for mass planting.
- Can naturalize and return for years.
What customers say
The Black Parrot tulips are celebrated for their spectacular design, featuring deep velvety color and dramatic ruffled petals that truly exceed expectations. Customers consistently highlight the exceptional quality of the blooms. These bulbs are frequently praised for their reliability, with reviewers reporting high germination rates and robust, healthy plants that return year after year. This consistent performance and unique visual impact make them a standout garden feature, offering excellent value for enthusiasts who appreciate their striking beauty and dependable nature.
Know before you buy
These bulbs should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes. This allows them to establish roots during the cooler months so they are ready to bloom in late spring.
While often grown as an annual for the most reliable display, Black Parrot Tulips can naturalize and return in subsequent years if planted in favorable conditions with well-draining soil.
For optimal growth, plant the bulbs at a depth of 8 inches. This depth helps protect the bulbs and encourages sturdy stems as they emerge in the spring.
Yes, their 20-inch height and unique, frilled petals make them an excellent choice for containers. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage to prevent the bulbs from sitting in excess moisture.
Absolutely. Black Parrot Tulips are highly regarded as cut flowers due to their dramatic, frilled petals and striking color, which add a sophisticated touch to any bouquet.
These tulips thrive in full sun to partial shade. For the best bloom performance, choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
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$32