Parrot tulip varieties

Parrot tulips are single-flowered tulips with laciniate, curled and twisted tepals, mainly late flowering on stems of variable length, as the tulip classification defines the group. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
6
Height
16–22 in (41–56 cm)
Hardiness
USDA zones 3–8
Form

6 Parrot

Compare all 6 side by side

All 6 parrot tulip varieties

A Apricot Parrot tulip flower up close on the plant Apricot Parrot Parrot tulip with ruffled apricot petals tinged cream, salmon-pink and green on 20-inch stems. Late spring20 in (51 cm)
A Black Parrot tulip flower up close on the plant Black Parrot Parrot tulip with ruffled maroon-burgundy petals and a near-black center on 18-inch stems. Mid spring, Late spring18 in (46 cm)
A Blue Parrot tulip flower up close on the plant Blue Parrot Parrot tulip with ruffled violet petals tinged bluish-bronze on 22-inch stems. Late spring22 in (56 cm)
A Estella Rijnveld tulip flower up close on the plant Estella Rijnveld Heirloom Parrot tulip with twisted red and white flamed petals on 18-20 inch stems. Mid spring, Late spring18–20 in (46–51 cm)
A Flaming Parrot tulip flower up close on the plant Flaming Parrot Parrot tulip with yellow petals flamed red, on 18 to 22 inch stems. Late spring18–22 in (46–56 cm)
A Rococo tulip flower up close on the plant Rococo Parrot tulip with ruffled red petals edged in green on 16-inch stems. Late spring16 in (41 cm)

How to choose

  1. Compare the Height column. Stem length varies more in this group than in most, so two parrot tulips can sit at different levels in the same bed.

  2. Look at the color pattern in the table. The RHS notes that parrot tulips are sometimes streaked with a bold, contrasting color.

  3. Check the bloom time in the table. Parrot tulips are mainly late flowering, together with the other late groups.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Apricot Parrot Parrot 20 in (51 cm) 4–7 Late spring Full sun
Black Parrot Parrot 18 in (46 cm) 3–8 Mid spring, Late spring Full sun, Part shade
Blue Parrot Parrot 22 in (56 cm) 4–7 Late spring Full sun
Estella Rijnveld Parrot 18–20 in (46–51 cm) 3–8 Mid spring, Late spring Full sun, Part shade
Flaming Parrot Parrot 18–22 in (46–56 cm) 4–7 Late spring Full sun
Rococo Parrot 16 in (41 cm) 3–8 Late spring Full sun, Part shade

Frequently asked questions

Why do parrot tulips look ruffled?

The group is defined by laciniate, curled and twisted tepals. The RHS describes petals that twist and curl into feather-like shapes.

Will these tulips come back every year?

Not reliably. John Scheepers lists species tulips, Kaufmanniana and Greigii hybrids and Giant Darwin Hybrids as the tulips that may return for repeat years, and only where they are happy and never disturbed. Most gardeners treat other groups as a one-season planting.

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