Rough Draft 9/8/2021
Intro
A symbol of spring, tulips are the most popular bulbs and most gardeners plan a specific space or a spot for their spring blooms. They can be found in many front yards, gardens, planting boxes, and they can even be planted in container gardens.. There are 75 different species of tulips. There are currently over 3,000 registered varieties, which are divided into fifteen groups, mostly based on the flower type, size and blooming period of the tulip. Most people have a favorite color or variety they prefer planting or purchasing as cut flowers at the florist, local market, or the big box stores. This article is about a very unique tulip called a Rainbow Parrot tulip.
Description
The best way to describe the Rainbow Parrot tulip is by picturing a cup-shaped, fringed, twisted and ruffled tulip. Each petal is decorated with vivid, flame-like splashes and stripes. The colors that blend together on each bulb are of true red, orange, yellow, green, violet, and different bright shades of pink. It is really a sight to see.
Planting and Care of the Rainbow Parrot
Basics and Tips
Tulips are a perennial meaning they will come back in the spring and grow new blooms every year. Tip to fortify your bulbs for bigger and brighter blooms remove the flower tops once they start to die away but leave the green stems and leaves where they are growing through the late spring and summer months. This is a way to feed the bulbs with the sunlight. Once the leaves, stems and remaining parts start to wilt or discolor, removing the debris is just fine. It is not necessary to dig up or remove the bulbs each year. They are perfect by returning when leaving them in their planted spot.
Planting
When planting tulip bulbs find a sunny spot that will give the bulbs plenty of sun in the spring. The sun helps the tulips reach their optimum height. Some avid gardeners prepare their bulbs the night before planting them by soaking them in water for 12 hours. Personally I’ve never done this and my bulbs have grown just fine. Plant your bulbs in the fall depending where you live between September and before the end of October is a good time to plant. Dig a holr for each bulb about 6” deep and place the large end down the pointed end up. Cover with the remaining soil. Water if desired. When spring arrives the bulbs will have shoots emerging from the ground and before you know it your rainbow parrot bulbs will pop with bright colors for all to enjoy. The spring showers should be plenty of water to keep your bulbs happy, unless you live in a dry or hot climate watering to keep the soil damp is a good practice.
Conclusion
Parrot tulips open their ruffled petals in mid to late spring after most other tulips have bloomed. By planting rainbow tulips there will be a longer span of time to enjoy this spring flower, Rainbow parrots have huge blooms which can be measured up to 5 inches across, with streaks of vivid colors shooting through the petals like brilliant flames. With the tall stems and brilliant colors this rainbow parrot will make a statement in the garden and a striking addition to spring cut flowers displayed in your home or office.
Resource links
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/tulips/parrot-tulip-bulbs.htm
https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/7-Tips-For-Planting-Tulips