Tulipa 'Rococo' is a spectacular Parrot tulip producing flamboyant fire-red flowers edged with deeper carmine and decorated with subtle green markings. Its large petals are twisted, waved and deeply cut, giving every bloom an extravagant, almost sculptural appearance. Flowering in May on stems around 45cm tall, 'Rococo' is superb for borders, containers and dramatic cut flower arrangements.
A sport of the historic tulip 'Couleur Cardinal', 'Rococo' takes its rich red colouring and adds the extraordinary petal structure associated with Parrot tulips. The flowers change considerably as they mature, developing increasingly elaborate shapes as the petals unfurl.
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Flower colour: fire-red with carmine edges and green markings
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Flowering time: May
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Height: approximately 45cm
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Group: Parrot tulip
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Position: full sun
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Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
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Planting time: autumn
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Suitable for: borders, containers and cut flowers
About Tulipa 'Rococo'
'Rococo' is a tulip for anyone who prefers their spring flowers with plenty of character. Its intensely coloured petals combine vivid scarlet and fire-red with darker carmine tones, while fine green markings add contrast around the outer areas of the flower.
The unusual petal shape is just as impressive as the colour. Deeply cut, curled and irregularly waved edges give the flowers the feathered appearance for which Parrot tulips are famous. As the blooms open, they become broader and increasingly flamboyant, revealing a fascinating combination of folds, curves and ruffles.
Growing Tulipa 'Rococo' in the UK
Plant 'Rococo' bulbs during autumn, ideally from September to November, in a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Good drainage is important for tulips, particularly during the wetter winter months, so improve heavy ground where necessary or grow the bulbs in containers.
Plant bulbs approximately 10–12cm deep with their pointed ends facing upwards and space them around 10cm apart. For the most effective display, grow 'Rococo' in groups rather than planting individual bulbs throughout a border.
Because Parrot tulips have particularly large flowers, a reasonably sheltered position is beneficial. Protection from strong winds and heavy spring weather will help keep the elaborate blooms looking their best.
Growing in Pots and Containers
'Rococo' makes an excellent container tulip. Growing it in pots allows the spectacular flowers to be positioned close to patios, entrances and seating areas where their intricate shapes and unusual markings can be appreciated properly.
Choose a substantial container with plenty of drainage holes and fill it with good-quality, free-draining compost. Bulbs can be planted fairly closely for a dense display, although they should not be touching. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the container somewhere sunny once growth becomes active.
A Spectacular Cut Flower
Few tulips make more dramatic cut flowers than Parrot varieties, and 'Rococo' is particularly impressive. The large red flowers continue to develop after cutting, gradually opening and changing shape to create a wonderfully extravagant display.
Cut stems once the buds are showing plenty of colour but before they have completely opened. Place them immediately into fresh water. 'Rococo' looks striking on its own in a simple vase, where the unusual shapes of the individual flowers can become the focus of the arrangement.
Planting Combinations
The intense red colouring of 'Rococo' works beautifully alongside dark burgundy and near-black tulips for a rich, dramatic display. Alternatively, combine it with cream or white varieties to create a much stronger contrast.
It can also be planted with other Parrot tulips to create a flamboyant late-spring border filled with twisted and feathered flowers. Fresh green foliage complements the subtle green markings within 'Rococo's' petals particularly well.
Planting Tips
- Plant bulbs from September to November.
- Choose a sunny, preferably sheltered position.
- Plant approximately 10–12cm deep.
- Space bulbs around 10cm apart.
- Ensure the soil drains freely.
- Plant in generous groups for maximum impact.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.
Once flowering has finished, faded blooms can be removed, but leave the foliage in place until it has naturally yellowed. This allows the leaves to continue producing energy and feeding the bulb after flowering.
Why Grow Tulipa 'Rococo'?
- Brilliant fire-red and carmine flowers
- Attractive fine green markings
- Deeply cut and extravagantly ruffled petals
- Fascinating Parrot tulip flower shape
- Flowers during May
- Grows to approximately 45cm tall
- Excellent for borders and containers
- Outstanding as a cut flower
- A sport of the historic 'Couleur Cardinal' tulip
Bold colour and extraordinary flower shapes make Tulipa 'Rococo' one of the most distinctive tulips for a late-spring display. Its fiery red, carmine and green colouring is impressive from a distance, while the intricate folds and ruffles of each flower make it equally fascinating when viewed up close.
