Pest identification
What's eating my tulipa 'black parrot'?
Squirrels & voles
Signs: Bulbs excavated or gnawed underground; missing plants or hollow stem bases at soil level
Control: Plant inside galvanised wire-mesh baskets; cover planting area with hardware cloth pinned flat; use vole repellent granules
Aphids
Signs: Curling, sticky leaves; stunted stems; visible colonies on growing tips and undersides
Control: Remove by hand or jet of water; treat with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly while colonies persist
Slugs & snails
Signs: Holes and silvery slime trails on young leaves and soft stem bases in damp conditions
Control: Ferric phosphate pellets; sink beer traps nearby; remove garden debris where slugs shelter
Keep tulipa 'black parrot' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tulipa 'Black Parrot' pests — FAQ
What is eating my tulipa 'black parrot'?
Tulipa 'Black Parrot' is a parrot tulip whose large, fringed blooms attract aphids and whose bulbs are prime targets for squirrels and voles. Its ruffled petals can trap moisture, making flowers susceptible to grey mould (Botrytis tulipae). Slugs also target the soft emerging foliage in early spring.
How do I get rid of squirrels & voles on tulipa 'black parrot'?
Bulbs excavated or gnawed underground; missing plants or hollow stem bases at soil level Plant inside galvanised wire-mesh baskets; cover planting area with hardware cloth pinned flat; use vole repellent granules
How do I get rid of aphids on tulipa 'black parrot'?
Curling, sticky leaves; stunted stems; visible colonies on growing tips and undersides Remove by hand or jet of water; treat with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly while colonies persist
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on tulipa 'black parrot'?
Holes and silvery slime trails on young leaves and soft stem bases in damp conditions Ferric phosphate pellets; sink beer traps nearby; remove garden debris where slugs shelter