Tulipa ‘Black Hero’ (Double Late Tulip)

Fragrant, Tulip ‘Black Hero’ is a fabulous peony-flowered tulip featuring large, bowl-shaped blossoms packed with velvety, dark maroon to mahogany petals. In the shadows, the flower can appear to be pitch black. Irresistible! This sport of the world-famous Tulip ‘Queen of Night’ is as impressive, except that it displays twice the number of petals. Wherever it is planted, be prepared for a dramatic show! Blooming in late spring, this exquisite tulip is regarded as one of the blackest Double Late Tulips, and it introduces charm and romance to the garden with its multi-petalled flowers!

Growing up to 24 inches tall (60 cm), this tulip creates dazzling harmonies with other flowering bulbs.

Toxicity: Tulips contain toxic compounds if ingested. The bulbs are particularly toxic, containing alkaloids that can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if eaten by humans or animals. Therefore, it is important to plant tulip bulbs in areas where pets and young children are unlikely to dig them up.

Deer and Rabbits: Unfortunately, tulips are quite popular with deer and rabbits. These animals may eat the foliage and flowers, especially in early spring when other food sources are scarce.

Growing and Caring for Tulip Flowers

Planting: Plant tulip bulbs in the fall, 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost. Plant bulbs 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep, with the pointed end facing up, and space them 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart.

Light: Tulips thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce the best blooms. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced.

Soil: Plant tulips in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0). They prefer sandy or loamy soil that prevents waterlogging, which can cause bulb rot.

Watering: Water tulips immediately after planting in the fall to help establish roots. During the growing season, keep the soil moderately moist but avoid overwatering. Once the foliage dies back, reduce watering.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) when planting bulbs in the fall and again in early spring as shoots emerge. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can cause lush foliage at the expense of blooms.

Pruning and Maintenance: Remove spent flowers (deadhead) to prevent seed production and direct energy back to the bulb. Allow the foliage to die back naturally to nourish the bulb for the next season.

Propagation: Propagate by lifting and separating offsets.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for pests like aphids, slugs, and squirrels. May be susceptible to tulip fire and bulb rot in poorly drained soil.