Black Parrot Tulip Tulipa 'Black Parrot' (10)
ABOUT
The Tulip 'Black Parrot' is a unique and eye-catching flower known for its deep, dark purple color, which is so intense that it appears almost black. The petals are luxuriously textured and have a distinctive fringed, feathery appearance that lends to their parrot-like name. This tulip variety carries large, bold blooms that are elegantly shaped with a curved form, adding an exotic flair to any setting in which they are planted. Its petals have a satin-like sheen that can glisten in the sunlight, further enhancing its dramatic color. The foliage of the 'Black Parrot' tulip is typically a lush green, forming a striking contrast with the dramatic bloom color. The overall appearance of this tulip variety is one of elegance and mystery, making it a coveted choice for gardeners looking to make a bold statement in their floral displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Black Parrot Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'Black Parrot'
ToxicityTo humans
Tulips, including the Tulipa 'Black Parrot' variety, are not highly toxic to humans. However, they do contain allergenic lactones and other compounds that can cause mild irritation to the skin, mouth, or throat if ingested in large quantities. Ingesting parts of the tulip, such as the bulb, may lead to symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is generally advised to avoid consuming any part of the tulip plant.
To pets
Tulips, including the 'Black Parrot' variety, can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. The plant contains compounds known as tulipalins, which are part of the allergenic lactone family. If a pet ingests tulip bulbs, leaves, or stems, it might experience symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or even depression. The bulb is the most toxic part of the plant. In severe cases, ingestion may result in increased heart rate and changes in breathing. If you suspect your pet has ingested tulip plant parts, it is important to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Middle East
Benefits
General Benefits- Unique Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Black Parrot' tulip is known for its striking deep-purple, almost black flowers which add a dramatic touch to any garden.
- Spring Color: Blooms in late spring, providing a splash of color when many other plants are just beginning to grow.
- Bee Friendly: Attracts pollinators such as bees, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Cutting Garden Addition: Makes excellent cut flowers for arrangements due to their unique shape and long vase life.
- Breeding and Hybridization: Popular in hybridizing efforts to create new varieties with unique characteristics.
- Ease of Care: Like most tulips, the 'Black Parrot' variety is relatively easy to grow and maintain.
- Naturalizing: Can spread and naturalize in an area over time, creating a fuller and more vibrant display each year.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Works well in a variety of garden designs, including formal, cottage, and modern gardens.
- Symbolic Flower: Often symbolizes perfect love and mystery due to its deep color, adding an element of depth to garden storytelling.
- Seasonal Festivity: Often used in celebrations of spring, such as Easter and spring festivals, reflecting rebirth and new beginnings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flower Arrangements: The 'Black Parrot' tulip's unique deep purple, almost black blooms make it a dramatic choice for floral displays and sophisticated bouquets.
- Photography Subjects: Due to their unusual appearance, these tulips serve as striking subjects for photographers, especially those specializing in botanical or fine art photography.
- Themed Gardens: They can be used to create a 'Gothic' or 'Midnight' themed garden, offering a strong visual contrast against lighter colored flowers.
- Garden Art Inspiration: Artists can use the dramatic look of 'Black Parrot' tulips as inspiration for paintings, illustrations, and other forms of garden-related art.
- Educational Tool: These tulips can be used in educational settings to discuss plant breeding and the development of new plant varieties.
- Fashion Inspiration: The deep, rich color and unique texture of the petals can inspire fabric patterns and designs in the fashion industry.
- Culinary Decoration: Petals of these tulips, free from pesticides, can be used to decorate desserts and cocktails for an elegant touch (although they are not typically consumed).
- Event Theming: 'Black Parrot' tulips can be used as part of event decor for occasions that require a sense of drama or sophistication, such as black-tie events or masquerade balls.
- Color Contrasting in Landscaping: These tulips can be planted alongside bright yellow or white flowers to create a bold contrast in landscape design.
- Dye Production: Though not a common practice, the dark petals of 'Black Parrot' tulips may potentially be used to produce natural dyes for small-scale or artisanal fabric dyeing.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tulip is not typically referenced in traditional Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mystery and Elegance: The Tulip 'Black Parrot', often referred to simply as the Black Tulip, symbolizes mystery and elegance due to its deep, dark color which is rare and distinctive in the flower world.
- Strength and Power: The robust nature of the tulip combined with its bold color gives it an association with strength and power.
- Royalty and Wealth: Historically, black flowers have been tied to royalty and wealth, making the Black Tulip indicative of opulence and regality.
- Rebirth and Renewal: Like all tulips, the 'Black Parrot' variety is associated with the beginning of spring and thus represents rebirth and renewal.
- Perfect Love: Tulips in general symbolize perfect, deep, or true love, and the unique appearance of the Black Tulip intensifies this symbolism with its dramatic hue.
WaterBlack Parrot tulips should be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch about 1 inch below the surface. These plants prefer to be watered deeply and infrequently rather than a little and often, ideally once a week. Depending on the weather conditions, more frequent watering may be required when it's especially hot or dry. It's important to avoid waterlogging, so ensure good drainage. Approximately half a gallon of water per square foot every week during the growing season is sufficient for these tulips.
LightBlack Parrot tulips thrive in full sunlight. They should be planted in a spot where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. These tulips perform best when they have plenty of light, as it strengthens their stems and enhances flower development.
TemperatureBlack Parrot tulips prefer a cold winter period, where temperatures can drop as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit, which is essential for their dormancy period. They can survive short periods of frost and temperatures down to around 14 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth, daytime temperatures in the spring should be between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningBlack Parrot tulips require minimal pruning, and deadheading the spent flowers after blooming encourages bulb strength. The foliage should be left to die back naturally until it turns yellow and can be easily removed, typically six weeks after blooming. This allows the transfer of nutrients back to the bulb for next year's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlack Parrot tulips flourish in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix composed of equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand encourages healthy growth. It's crucial to maintain an airy texture and provide good nutrient content.
RepottingBlack Parrot tulips are typically grown from bulbs and do not require repotting as they are replanted annually. After flowering, bulbs are dug up, dried, and stored for replanting in the fall.
Humidity & MistingBlack Parrot tulips prefer average humidity levels around 40-60%. They thrive outdoors in a natural climate without specific humidity control. Avoid overly wet conditions as it can lead to bulb rot.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool environment.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil in autumn.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycle'Black Parrot' tulip begins its life as a bulb, planted in the fall before the first frost. The bulb undergoes a period of dormancy during the winter, requiring a chilling period to promote spring growth. In the spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sends up shoots, which develop into distinctive stems and foliage, followed by the characteristic dark, almost black flowers with ruffled, feather-like petals. After blooming, the plant enters a period of senescence, where the foliage turns yellow and dies back as the bulb absorbs nutrients for the next cycle. Throughout the summer, the bulb remains dormant underground. The cycle repeats each year with the bulb regenerating and producing new foliage and flowers each spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Tulip 'Black Parrot', a stunning variety of tulip known for its deeply fringed, almost black flowers, is typically propagated through division of its bulbs. This method is widely preferred because it maintains the varietal characteristics of the plants. Propagation by division should be done in the fall, several weeks before the ground freezes. When the foliage of the plant has died back and turned yellow, the bulbs are carefully dug up and the offsets, which are smaller bulbs that have developed at the base of the parent bulb, are separated. These offsets can then be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (about 15 centimeters) to ensure they establish roots before the deep winter cold sets in. This process encourages a vigorous display of flowers in the following spring.
