Tulip ‘White Parrot’

It might be classified as a parrot tulip, but the Tulip ‘White Parrot’ often shows more resemblance to a swan than to one of those highly-coloured birds of the forest. Its ruffled ivory-coloured petals with their frilled edges, have the sweep of the wings of the aquatic royalty, as the huge petals curl away from the closed bud. Then as they open fully, the elegant flowers create another swan-like illusion. This time it’s that of a scene from Tchaikovsky’s the famous ballet, Swan Lake.

Stage your own version of the ballet in late spring by planting them in groups, or mix these green centred blooms with other late flowering bulbs. You’ll be giving this spectacle a standing ovation.