Description

Tulip Blue Parrot is a showstopping parrot tulip renowned for its extravagant, ruffled, and deeply feathered petals in an iridescent wash of silvery lavender, violet-blue, and smoky mauve. As the large blooms unfurl in late spring (typically early to mid-May in Irish conditions), they twist and curve like satin streamers, catching light from every angle. The visual movement and sculptural form give it unrivalled theatricality among late tulips. Each bloom can reach over 12 cm across, held on sturdy 50–60 cm stems that sway gracefully in spring breezes.

This cultivar thrives in full sun in fertile, free-draining soils enriched with organic matter. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions and benefits from sheltered planting locations — such as against walls, within courtyard beds, or in protected urban borders — to shield the large, delicate petals from high winds or heavy rain. Excellent in large containers using loam-based composts mixed with grit for drainage. Performs well across coastal and inland Irish settings when appropriately supported.

Tulip Blue Parrot is a premium choice for designer spring show borders, boutique hotel planters or floristry-focused beds, high-visibility planting zones in contemporary urban gardens, and wedding or event schemes requiring sculptural statement blooms.

Its flamboyant form makes it an ideal visual foil for upright companions like Allium Purple Sensation, or Tulip Queen of Night. The colour also contrasts beautifully with silver-foliage or underplantings or pale blue Camassia for late-season layering.

While not strongly scented or rich in nectar, the flower’s open structure supports occasional foraging by hoverflies and bumblebees — particularly when used alongside more nectar-generous plants. Its value to biodiversity is maximised in ecologically designed beds that combine form and function.