Tulipa 'White Parrot' is a spectacular late-flowering tulip with large, pure white blooms formed from deeply cut, twisted and ruffled petals. The unusual feathered appearance is characteristic of Parrot tulips, creating extravagant flowers that look quite different from traditional cup-shaped varieties.

Growing to around 55cm tall and flowering in mid-May, 'White Parrot' is excellent for adding interest to late-spring borders and containers. The substantial flowers are carried on tall stems and are also superb for cutting, where their fascinating shapes can be appreciated at close range.

• Flower colour: pure white
• Height: approximately 55cm
• Flowering time: mid-May
• Group: Parrot tulip
• Flower type: large, deeply cut and ruffled
• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Planting time: autumn
• Suitable for: borders, containers and cut flowers

About Tulipa 'White Parrot'

Parrot tulips are among the most distinctive of all tulips, recognised by their large flowers and heavily sculpted petals. 'White Parrot' combines this dramatic flower shape with a clean white colour, making it an especially elegant variety.

As the flowers mature, the petals unfurl and twist to reveal increasingly elaborate shapes. Their irregular, feathered edges give each bloom an individual appearance, particularly when the flowers open in warm spring sunshine.

Late Spring Colour

'White Parrot' flowers around mid-May, extending the tulip season after many earlier varieties have finished. Its white flowers provide a useful contrast to the stronger reds, purples, pinks and oranges commonly found among late-season tulips.

Planting several bulbs together creates the greatest impact, with the large white blooms standing prominently above the fresh green foliage. They can also be mixed through perennial borders, where emerging plants provide an attractive backdrop.

Growing Tulipa 'White Parrot' in the UK

Plant 'White Parrot' bulbs during autumn, ideally from September through to November. Choose a sunny position with fertile, free-draining soil. Tulips perform poorly in persistently waterlogged ground, so improve heavy soils with organic matter and grit where necessary.

Plant the bulbs approximately 10–15cm deep with the pointed end facing upwards. A spacing of around 10cm works well in borders, although bulbs can be planted more closely in containers when a particularly dense display is wanted.

Water after planting to settle the soil around the bulbs. Established bulbs planted in the ground generally require little attention through winter, while containers should be monitored to prevent the compost becoming either waterlogged or excessively dry.

Perfect for Pots and Containers

The elaborate flowers of 'White Parrot' make it a particularly good choice for containers positioned where they can be viewed closely. Plant several bulbs together in a large pot filled with good-quality, free-draining compost for a dramatic display in May.

Because Parrot tulips produce particularly large flowers, containers are best positioned somewhere reasonably sheltered from strong winds. This helps protect the blooms and allows their intricate petals to remain at their best for longer.

Excellent as a Cut Flower

'White Parrot' makes an outstanding cut tulip. Its long stems and unusually shaped flowers add texture and movement to arrangements, while the pure white colouring works with almost any other flower colour.

Cut stems when the buds have developed their colour but are not yet fully open. Once brought indoors, the flowers continue to develop and unfurl, revealing the dramatic feathered shape of the petals.

After Flowering

Once the flowers have faded, remove the spent flower heads but leave the stems and foliage in place. Allow the leaves to yellow and die back naturally so they can continue feeding the bulb.

In well-drained ground, bulbs can be left in place for the following year. As with many highly bred tulips, however, the most reliable way to achieve a strong display is to plant fresh bulbs each autumn.

Why Grow Tulipa 'White Parrot'?

• Large, pure white flowers
• Spectacular deeply cut and feathered petals
• Distinctive Parrot tulip flower shape
• Flowers in mid-May
• Grows to approximately 55cm tall
• Excellent for late-spring borders
• Ideal for pots and containers
• Superb and unusual cut flower
• Pairs easily with almost any other tulip colour

With its large pure white flowers and extravagantly ruffled petals, Tulipa 'White Parrot' is an excellent choice for anyone looking for something more unusual than a traditional tulip. Whether grown in a border, displayed in a container or cut for the vase, its remarkable flowers provide an elegant finale to the spring tulip season.