Tulipa Black Parrot Tulip Bulbs

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit

Plant Tulipa Black Parrot bulbs in the fall before the first frost, and you'll be rewarded late the next spring with one of the most striking tulips in existence. Black Parrot is a celebrated heirloom tulip, introduced in 1937, renowned for its mesmerizing black-purple blooms. The large, dramatically frilled and feathery-edged petals give each flower a ruffled, parrot-like appearance that is truly unique. Standing at about 20 inches tall, these cupped flowers are borne singly on sturdy stems, flaunting their rare and unrivaled beauty above strappy grey-green leaves. Perfect for creating enchanting bouquets and mixed floral arrangements, these tulips make an unforgettable statement in any setting.

A Tulipa gesneriana cultivar, Black Parrot is a perennial bulb often grown as an annual. However, in ideal conditions, these tulips may naturalize, returning for several years to enhance your garden with their dramatic color and form. Tulips are especially impactful when planted in groups, whether in beds, borders, or large sweeping drifts under deciduous trees. They mix beautifully with other spring-blooming bulbs, and by planting several different varieties, you can extend the flowering season for even greater visual impact. Tulips are also excellent ground covers, helping to control erosion during spring rains, and they thrive in patio pots, where they can be forced to bloom indoors during the winter months.

Cold hardy to USDA Zone 3, Black Parrot tulips are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They thrive in sunny locations, though in warmer climates, a bit of light shade can help extend their bloom time by keeping them cool. These tulips prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. When planting, space the bulbs 4 to 8 inches apart and plant them at a depth of 4 to 8 inches. To encourage robust growth and abundant flowering, begin feeding the bulbs with a balanced fertilizer like Espoma Organic® Bulb-tone® Bulb and Flower Food as soon as new growth emerges in the spring. For optimal bulb health, remove spent flowers promptly, but allow the leaves to yellow and wither naturally before cutting them back. This process nourishes the bulbs, ensuring vigorous growth for the next season. In USDA Zones 8-10, lift and refrigerate the bulbs for at least eight weeks before replanting.

For tips on creating a stunning spring bulb garden, check out our blog post on How to Plant a Spring Bulb Garden. And don't forget to visit our Garden Essentials page for all the tools and products you'll need to get started.