Tulipa Weber's Parrot - Tulipe Groupe Perroquet

The Parrot Tulip 'Weber’s Parrot' is a variety of flamboyant and terribly original spring bloom, sought after for its large crinkled and undulate flowers in shades of cream, white, purple-pink, and hints of green, evoking the vibrant plumage of an exotic bird. It displays a flexible yet sturdy habit, with flower stems around 40 to 45 cm tall, elegantly supporting its opulent corollas. Suitable for sunny or lightly shaded spots, it thrives in well-drained, fertile, and moist soil, whether in pots or in the ground. Perfect for borders or vases, it extends the tulip season while adding an artistic flair to spring displays.

The Parrot Tulip 'Weber’s Parrot' belongs to the Liliaceae family, Parrot group, cultivars derived from mutations of late single and Triumph tulips. This cultivar differs from the typical Tulipa gesneriana species with its extravagant, fringed, and undulate-petaled flowers, reminiscent of a parrot’s exoticism. It has a robust, upright habit, with sturdy stems of 40 to 45 cm when grown in the ground. Its spring growth is rapid with the first warm spells. The plant does not produce visible offsets, but bulblets may appear after several seasons. The flowers are large, with creamy petals edged in green and purple-pink, featuring deeply undulate and decorative margins. They bloom from mid-April to May, opening widely in full sun to reveal a contrasting centre. The foliage is deciduous, consisting of broad, lanceolate, medium-green leaves that fade after flowering. The stem is fleshy, providing strong support for the ample corolla. Fun fact: Parrot tulips, originating from mutations in 18th-century France, were prized the following century for their lush, feather-like appearance. Parrot tulips boast excellent hardiness.

The tulip 'Weber’s Parrot' fits perfectly into a theatrical composition where plants become painterly gestures. In a partially shaded border with soft textures, it pairs beautifully with apricot-toned 'Replete' daffodils and the dark counterpoint of 'Black Parrot' tulip. Placed in delicate strokes among clumps of purple heucheras or fine ferns, it lends the scene a controlled visual tension, where each petal’s undulation seems hand-painted. In containers, it demands a minimalist backdrop to let its baroque blooms take centre stage, creating surprise within an orderly structure.