Friday, May 16, 2008

Parrot tulips never tiptoe their way into blooming big, bright and brassy, they deserve a centerpiece all their own

A centerpiece incorporating tulips should have a place on every table. They're colorful,
they're fun and they're great performers. They come in an impressive range of flower
forms - from simple upright goblets to the double blooms of peony-flowered forms -
and every color you could think of - except blue.



However, the frilliest, fluffiest and most flamboyant tulips of all are the parrot tulips.
They are a riot of multi-colored blooms with fringed, feathered or wavy edges. They are
actually "moving" flowers; they stretch and turn in response to the light.



Carolyne Roehm acknowledges an extreme love for parrot tulips. ``I'm drawn to their
odd streaks of craziness and their individuality - no two are the same. Looking at a
bundle of parrot tulips is like staring into a pool of the fantastic. I wonder: How did
nature decide to follow such an eccentric course?''



Roehm's fascination with these fancy flowers is demonstrated in the first photo with
the centerpiece she created.



For longest enjoyment, buy cut tulips when the buds are still closed but are beginning to
show the flower color. Before arranging tulips, prep the stems by re-cutting the stem tips.
A fresh cut opens the stems' water uptake channels. Unlike most cut flowers, tulips keep
growing in a vase. Plus, as they grow taller-often up to an inch-they tend to bend and move
toward sources of light. The fact that tulips dance in the vase is part of their charm. Don't
bother with flower food. Add fresh cool water to the vase every two days so they won't
drain the vase dry. Place tulips in a cool spot.

sources: Carloyn Roehm, A Passion for Flowers; Martha Stewart and Country Living magazine

8 comments:

pve design said...

My mother-in-law is Dutch and she always puts a few copper pennies in the bottom to make them stand up straight and tall. It really works!

Suburban prep said...

I just love tulips. It is the flower that my husband first sent to me before we even dated.

Lara said...

These are gorgeous. I love the color variations in new varieties I find... such a beautiful bloom!

BeckyandTroy said...

I love parot tulips. Thanks for the advice about taking care of them and making thier blooms last!

Anonymous said...

I have Parrot Tulips on my table right now and they are divine. Thanks for the great tips! Your website is wonderful :)

Much love, xoxo-pm

perfect bound said...

i always love tulips. they are classic like the cala lily but have a bit more spunk and unexpected charm.

Ivory bridal shoes said...

Wow, that is gorgeous! I love parrot tulips! Thanks for showcasing them.

stevenjared0853 said...

Superb article! One of my friends is getting married and I am planning a flower themed bridal shower at one of her favorite garden themed Chicago event venues. I liked first one table decoration and would love to implement this idea in her bash.