Tulipa ‘Paul Scherer’ (Triumph Tulip)

Tulip ‘Paul Scherer’: An In-depth Look

Tulip ‘Paul Scherer’ is a captivating Triumph Tulip prized for its deep, almost black blooms that add a touch of drama and sophistication to any garden. Introduced relatively recently, this black tulip has quickly gained popularity among gardeners and florists for its rich color and elegant form. The flowers are a dark, velvety purple that can appear nearly black in certain lighting conditions, making it one of the darkest tulips available today. The bloom’s smooth, cup-shaped petals create a striking silhouette, and when paired with lighter-colored flowers, they create a stunning contrast that draws the eye. This tulip is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of mystery and elegance to their garden.

Native: Tulips are native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia, particularly the areas around modern-day Turkey, Iran, and Kazakhstan. They were first cultivated by the Turks and later introduced to Europe in the 16th century, where they became immensely popular, especially in the Netherlands. The pursuit of the black tulip has a rich history, dating back to the 17th century during Tulip Mania, when tulips were highly prized and traded at exorbitant prices. The Paul Scherer tulip results from modern hybridization efforts designed to achieve the darkest possible tulip. Tulips belong to the lily family, Liliaceae, along with lilies (Lilium), toad lilies (Tricyrtis), and trout lilies (Erythronium).

Plant Type and Habit: It is a perennial bulb with a single, sturdy stem that supports the large, cup-shaped flower. The plant is upright and elegant, with a habit that makes it a striking focal point in any garden.

Size: Typically grows 16-18 inches tall (40-45 cm). Its spread is relatively narrow, with each plant occupying a space of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in diameter.

Flowers: Each bloom is a deep, velvety purple so dark that it often appears black in certain lights. The flowers have a classic tulip shape, with smooth, cup-shaped petals that open fully in warm weather. The petals are thick and sturdy, with a slight gloss that enhances their rich color.

Bloom Time: Tulip ‘Paul Scherer’ is a late-blooming variety, typically flowering in late spring, around May. Its blooms can last a couple of weeks, depending on the weather, with cooler temperatures helping to prolong the flowering period.

Foliage: The broad, lance-shaped leaves are smooth and slightly waxy. They are deep green, providing a rich backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the dark blooms. The foliage emerges in early spring and continues to grow until the flowers bloom. After the flowers fade, the leaves gradually turn yellow and die back as the plant enters dormancy for the summer.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM) from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which recognizes plants of outstanding excellence for garden use.

Hardiness: Tulips are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. They prefer areas with cool winters and warm, dry summers.

Uses: This black tulip is particularly effective in formal garden designs, where its dark blooms create a striking contrast with lighter-colored flowers. It can be planted in mixed borders, beds, or containers and is often used to create dramatic focal points in garden landscapes. For best visual impact, plant in groups (at least 10 to 15 bulbs) or mixed with any other flowering bulbs

In addition to its popularity in the garden, Tulip ‘Paul Scherer’ is also a favorite in the cut flower industry. Its strong stems and long-lasting blooms make it ideal for use in floral arrangements, where it adds a touch of drama and elegance.

Toxicity: Tulips contain compounds that are toxic 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.