Parrot and fringed tulips to grow

Discover five stunning tulip combinations.

Parrot tulips are the most flamboyant of them all. Their large flowers have wavy, twisted or deeply frilled petals and they are often brightly coloured or two-toned. They tend to flower in mid to late spring on tall stems. They don't stand up too well to wind and rain, so plant them in a sheltered spot.

Fringed tulips are a relatively new introduction. They have elegant, cup shaped flowers, with ragged edges that look as if they have been edged with pinking shears. They are relatively compact and flower in late spring.

Thanks to their vivid colours and eye-catching petal shapes, parrot and fringed tulips make great cut flowers.

If you're planning on planting lots of tulips, our experts have tested the best bulb planters to help you choose the right one for you and your garden.

Here are some good parrot and fringed varieties to grow.

Tulip 'Flaming Parrot'

Tulips don't come much more flamboyant than 'Flaming Parrot' - the twisting, feathery canary-yellow petals are dramatically streaked with red. It's an eye-catching addition to a border or pot and makes a good cut flower.
Flowers: Late April to May

Tulip 'Estella Rijnveld'

‘Estella Rijnveld’ is a beautiful variety that has bi-coloured, red and white petals and grey-green leaves. It makes a beautiful cut flower. It’s a tall-stemmed variety, so plant in a sheltered spot. Flowers: Late April to May

Tulip 'Black Parrot'

'Black Parrot' is one of the darkest tulips you can grow - the flowers are blackish-purple. It looks spectacular when planted with white-flowered tulips and makes a striking cut flower - you can appreciate irregular, wavy petals more easily in a vase. It should come back year after year.
Flowers: Late April to May

Tulip 'Glasnost'

'Glasnost’ has bold red flowers that are edged with yellow. The fringed petals gives the flowerheads a ruffled effect.
Flowers: Late April to May

Tulip 'Fancy Frills'

The petals of 'Fancy Frills' start off pure white, before the upper part of the petals turn pink, with white fringed edges. A stunning variety that looks great in borders and pots - and in a vase.
Flowers: Late April to May

Tulip 'Oviedo'

‘Oviedo’ is an ornate tulip that has lilac-pink and white fringed flowers topped with a white crystalline edge.
Flowers: May