Only two parrot tulips from the 1600s survive, and you can grow this one! The jagged, billowing petals of this fabulous relic are a deep, fiery red embellished here and there with swirling brushstrokes of gold, green, and maroon. Tiny spurs and horns add to its wild allure. Its name is French (hence no “D” in Amiral), suggesting it got its start in quirky, flower-loving Flanders. (For 18th- and 19th-century parrots, see ‘Cafe Brun’, ‘Markgraaf van Baden’, and ‘Perfecta’.) Zones 4b-7aS/7bWC, from the Hortus Bulborum. Chart to compare.

The long, slender shape of this lovely broken tulip is what sets it apart from all of its sisters. A Cottage tulip of “brilliant cherry rose flushed and striped with scarlet, violet, and white, very distinct,” according to Peter Henderson in 1907, it was introduced by the legendary house of Krelage in 1900. Aka ‘Maid of Holland’, Single Late, 14-18”, zones 4b-7aS/7bWC, from the Hortus. Chart to compare.

Here’s a vanilla that’s far from plain – and deliciously fragrant! An ancestor of today’s lily-flowered tulips, it’s a creamy, golden ivory, vase-shaped beauty with long slender petals that twist and reflex gently for an almost whirling effect. Aka ‘White Crown’, Cottage/Lily-flowered, 16”, zones 4-7S/8WC from the Hortus Bulborum. Chart to compare.

Like a brilliant flag whipped into a frenzy by raging winds – or the claw of some freakish lobster from the Great Barrier Reef – or a Baroque filigree splashed with paint by the Color Kittens – that’s ‘Perfecta.’ One of Nature’s weirdest and most wonderful jewels, it’s been preserved by gardeners for over 250 years so you can enjoy it today. (For other extra-rare parrots, see ‘ Amiral de Constantinople’, ‘Cafe Brun’, and ‘Markgraaf van Baden’.) 18”, zones 4b-7aS/7bWC, from the Hortus Bulborum. Chart to compare.

Shaded with a mist of tiny pink speckles that get deeper and more numerous every day, this extra-rare double tulip gradually transforms itself from near-white to rosy pink — almost as if it’s blushing in slow motion. A golden glow deep inside adds to its ethereal beauty. Double Early, 10-12”, zones 4-7S/8WC, from the Hortus Bulborum. Chart to compare.

Bontlof means variegated, luisante means bright or glittering, and 1850 was a long time ago – which shows in the graceful, old-fashioned profile of this charming tulip. What you can’t see here, unfortunately – since this is actually a photo of the regular, non-variegated form – is the cream-colored ribbon that outlines each rippling leaf. From the moment its distinctive foliage pushes through the cold, damp soil of early spring, ‘Rose Luisante’ is a pleasure! Single Early, 10-12”, zones 4-7aS/7bWC, from the Hortus Bulborum. Chart to compare.

A lot has changed since 1760 (heck, the United States wasn’t even the United States back then), but ‘Silver Standard’ is still one of the world’s most exciting flowers. A true broken tulip, it’s a dazzling combination of purest white boldly splashed with red and guaranteed to leave you and your garden visitors standing open-mouthed in awe. Last offered in 2008, Single Early, 12-14”, zones 4b-7a, from the Hortus. Chart to compare.

Staff favorite! Many spectacular broken tulips bloom in our trial garden, but it seems EVERYONE wants to take ‘Spaendonck’ home with them. With its shapely blooms swirled with crimson, lilac, and rosy-purple on cream, it’s a fitting tribute to Cornelis van Spaendonck (1756-1840), Dutch flower painter and director of the great Sevres porcelain works. Single Early, 12-14”, zones 4b-7aS/7bWC, from the Hortus Bulborum. Chart to compare.

The fragrance of “TAY-rohs” shouldn’t have surprised us since its Dutch name means “Tea Rose,” but give it a sniff and we bet you’ll be surprised at how great it smells, too. And it’s a treat for the eyes. Opening pale primrose faintly misted with pink, it gets rosier and more richly speckled every day. Double Early, 12”, zones 4b-7aS/7bWC, from the Hortus. Chart to compare.