Tulipa 'Texas Flame' is a spectacular Parrot tulip with flamboyant, deeply cut petals in vivid buttercup yellow, dramatically flamed and streaked with carmine red. Each flower develops its own pattern of colour and twisting, feathered edges, giving this variety an exotic appearance that stands out among more traditionally shaped tulips.

Growing to around 45cm tall and flowering in May, 'Texas Flame' provides a bold finale to the spring bulb season. It is superb in borders and containers and also makes an unusual cut flower, where the extraordinary shape and colouring of each bloom can be appreciated up close.

• Flower colour: buttercup yellow with carmine-red flaming
• Height: approximately 45cm
• Flowering time: May
• Group: Parrot tulip
• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Planting time: autumn
• Suitable for: borders, containers and cut flowers

About Tulipa 'Texas Flame'

Parrot tulips are instantly recognisable by their large, extravagantly shaped flowers, and 'Texas Flame' is a particularly colourful example. Its petals are deeply cut, waved and irregularly feathered, creating a flower that changes considerably as it opens.

The dominant buttercup-yellow colouring is broken by strong flashes and streaks of carmine red. These markings vary naturally from flower to flower, so a group of 'Texas Flame' tulips produces plenty of variation while retaining a strong overall colour theme. As the flowers mature and open more fully, their twisted and ruffled petals become increasingly prominent.

Growing Tulipa 'Texas Flame' in the UK

Plant the bulbs during autumn, ideally between September and November, in a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Tulips dislike sitting in persistently wet ground, particularly during winter, so improve heavy soils with organic matter and grit where necessary.

Plant bulbs approximately 10–12cm deep with the pointed end facing upwards. Space them around 10cm apart when planting in borders, or slightly closer when creating a concentrated display in containers.

Because Parrot tulips produce particularly large flowers, a position protected from strong winds is useful. This helps prevent the heavy blooms from being damaged during poor spring weather.

Growing in Pots and Containers

'Texas Flame' is an excellent choice for containers, particularly where its unusual flowers can be viewed at close range. Plant several bulbs together in a substantial pot to create a concentrated display of yellow and red flowers during May.

Use a good-quality, free-draining compost and make sure the container has adequate drainage holes. Water after planting to settle the compost around the bulbs, then avoid allowing the container to become permanently waterlogged through winter.

A Striking Late-Spring Display

The intense combination of yellow and red makes 'Texas Flame' ideal for adding warmth and drama to late-spring borders. It works particularly well planted in groups, where the variations in the red flaming become much more noticeable.

For a coordinated display, combine it with red, yellow or orange late-flowering tulips. Alternatively, use dark purple or near-black varieties nearby to provide a dramatic contrast. Its distinctive flowers can also be allowed to stand alone as a focal point among simpler spring planting.

Excellent as a Cut Flower

Parrot tulips make fascinating cut flowers because their appearance continues to change after cutting. The large blooms gradually open and the petals twist outwards, revealing more of their intricate markings and unusual shapes.

'Texas Flame' is particularly effective in arrangements thanks to its strong yellow and carmine colouring. Cut stems when the buds are well coloured but have not completely opened, allowing the flowers to continue developing in the vase.

Planting Tips

• Plant bulbs in autumn.
• Choose a sunny, preferably sheltered position.
• Plant approximately 10–12cm deep.
• Space bulbs around 10cm apart in borders.
• Ensure the soil drains freely.
• Plant in groups for the strongest visual effect.
• Water thoroughly immediately after planting.
• Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.

Once flowering has finished, remove faded blooms if desired but leave the foliage in place. The leaves continue to feed the bulb while they remain green and should only be removed once they have naturally yellowed and died back.

Why Grow Tulipa 'Texas Flame'?

• Unusual buttercup-yellow and carmine-red flowers
• Large, flamboyant Parrot tulip blooms
• Deeply cut, feathered and twisted petals
• Each flower develops slightly different markings
• Flowers during May
• Ideal for beds, borders and containers
• Excellent and unusual cut flower
• Compact height of approximately 45cm

Bold, colourful and wonderfully unusual, Tulipa 'Texas Flame' is a tulip for gardeners who want something different from the classic cup-shaped varieties. Its combination of fiery carmine markings, bright yellow petals and extravagant Parrot form creates an eye-catching display in the garden and an equally impressive cut flower for the home.