White Parrot Tulip Tulipa 'White Parrot' (10)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'White Parrot' is an eye-catching variety of tulip known for its unique and ornate blooms. The flowers are predominantly white, displaying a crystal-clear purity. The petals of the 'White Parrot' tulip are distinctively fringed and feathered, giving them a ruffled appearance that resembles the plumage of a parrot – hence the name. These wavy-edged petals often exhibit a touch of green at the base, adding a subtle hint of color and enhancing their striking, delicate beauty. The foliage is green, creating a pleasant contrast with the pure white blossoms. The leaves are lance-shaped, with a smooth and slightly waxy texture, arranged in a rosette at the base of the stem. The overall appearance of the Tulipa 'White Parrot' is one of elegance and flamboyance, making it a popular choice for gardens and floral displays seeking a touch of drama and sophistication.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
White Parrot Tulip, Parrot Tulip.
Common names
Tulipa 'White Parrot'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Tulipa 'White Parrot' is Tulip. Tulips contain compounds that can be toxic if ingested by humans. The bulb is the plant part that is most toxic. Eating tulip bulbs can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. In severe cases, ingesting tulip bulbs might lead to difficulty breathing and an increased heart rate. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritations or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The common name for Tulipa 'White Parrot' is Tulip. Tulips are toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. The bulb is the most toxic part. If a pet ingests part of a Tulip, symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to central nervous system depression, an increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing. It is important to prevent pets from accessing areas where tulips are planted to avoid the risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The White Parrot Tulip is known for its unique and elegant white blooms that add beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Spring Color: As a spring-blooming plant, it adds early season color to gardens after the dull winter months.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden designs, including formal beds, borders, and cottage gardens.
- Cut Flowers: These tulips are excellent for cutting and creating striking floral arrangements indoors.
- Bulb Hardiness: The bulbs are winter-hardy in many climates, allowing them to return year after year.
- Attracts Pollinators: White Parrot Tulips attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, which is essential for plant health and biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Tulips are generally easy to care for and do not require expert gardening skills to thrive.
- Container Gardening: They can be grown in pots or containers, making them suitable for those with limited space or who want to decorate patios and balconies.
- Hybrid Vigor: As a hybrid, Tulipa 'White Parrot' may exhibit robust growth and increased resistance to certain environmental stresses.
- Seasonal Themes: Their pure white color can be used for creating seasonal themes in gardens, such as winter or monochromatic garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: The unique shape and color of the White Parrot tulip make it a popular choice for photographers seeking interesting floral subjects.
- Wedding Decor: Due to its elegance and pristine appearance, the White Parrot tulip is often used in wedding bouquets and table arrangements.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: The petals of the White Parrot tulip can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative at celebrations.
- Education: The distinct morphology of the White Parrot tulip is useful for teaching botany and plant anatomy.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the striking appearance of White Parrot tulips for paintings, sculptures, and textile designs.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known, the petals of tulips can be used to add a floral garnish to salads and desserts.
- Color Dyes: The petals of the White Parrot tulip can be used to extract natural colorants for dyes in fabrics and crafts.
- Floral Water: Petals can be infused in water to create lightly scented floral water for use in cosmetics and aromatherapy.
- Perfumery: Although not common, the essence of tulips can be used in crafting unique floral fragrances.
- Theme Gardens: White Parrot tulips can be planted as part of a monochromatic or "white garden" theme to create visual impact.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe White Parrot tulip is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe White Parrot tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innocence: The pristine white color of the White Parrot Tulip often represents purity and innocence, making it a symbol of new beginnings and cleanliness.
- Royalty: The unique and elegant shape of the parrot tulip can be associated with royalty and nobility, symbolizing regal splendor and grandeur.
- Serenity: White flowers, including the White Parrot Tulip, are often used to convey a sense of peace and serenity, invoking a tranquil and calming atmosphere.
- Forgiveness: The White Parrot Tulip can also symbolize forgiveness, offering a way to express an apology or to forgive others, mending relationships.
- Worthiness: This flower may represent a feeling of self-worth or convey to someone that they are deserving of attention and admiration, due to the tulip's standout appearance.
WaterWhite Parrot tulip bulbs should be watered thoroughly at planting time. After that, they require minimal supplemental water during the fall and winter, as overwatering can cause the bulbs to rot. Once the leaves begin to emerge in the spring, water your White Parrot tulips if the weekly rainfall is less than 1 inch. A good rule of thumb during the growing season is to provide about a half gallon of water per square foot every week, unless there has been sufficient rainfall.
LightWhite Parrot tulips perform best in a location that offers full sun to partial shade. Ideally, they need at least six hours of sunlight per day. The best spot for these tulips would be one where they are exposed to morning sun and protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can be too intense and may damage the delicate petals of the White Parrot variety.
TemperatureWhite Parrot tulips need a period of cold dormancy, typically between 35 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, to thrive and bloom. They can survive winter temperatures down to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature conditions for growth and blooming in the spring range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night.
PruningPruning, or deadheading, White Parrot tulips is beneficial to prevent seed formation and direct the plant's energy back into the bulb. Simply remove the spent flower heads after the petals have fallen. The best time to prune your tulips is immediately after flowering, but leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, as this is when the bulb gathers energy for the next blooming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe White Parrot Tulip thrives best in a well-drained soil mix rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite to improve drainage is ideal. It is crucial to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent bulb rot.
RepottingWhite Parrot Tulips are typically grown from bulbs, and they do not require frequent repotting. Bulbs should be planted in the autumn for spring blooming. They can be left in the ground for several years until the blooming decreases, at which point they should be lifted, divided, and replanted.
Humidity & MistingWhite Parrot Tulips prefer average outdoor humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements. They are adaptable to the natural fluctuation of humidity levels in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, with cool indoor temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in autumn; full sun to partial shade, cool weather.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Tulip 'White Parrot', known for its distinctive white, ruffled petals often tinged with green, begins its life as a bulb planted in the fall before the first frost. The bulb undergoes a period of winter dormancy, which is crucial for the development of the flower, as the cold period stimulates the embryonic flower inside to prepare for spring growth. In early to mid-spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, sending up shoots and leaves through the soil, followed by the characteristic flower stalk. The bloom period occurs in late spring, showcasing the large, ornate flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence; the leaves yellow and die back as the bulb draws back nutrients to store energy for the next season. The life cycle continues with the bulb lying dormant through summer until the next fall planting and cold period, completing the annual life cycle of the White Parrot Tulip.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: Tulipa 'White Parrot', commonly known as the White Parrot Tulip, is best propagated through its bulb division. This process typically takes place in the fall when the plant is dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the mature bulbs after the foliage has died back and gently separate the small offset bulbs, which are called bulbils, from the parent bulb. These bulbils can then be replanted immediately at a depth of around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in well-drained soil with adequate sunlight. The following spring, these offsets will begin to grow and eventually mature into flowering plants, although it may take a couple of seasons before they produce the large, ornate blooms characteristic of this variety. It is important to allow the foliage of the parent plant to die back naturally before excavation to ensure that the maximum amount of nutrients are stored in the bulb for the next growing season.
