Create Your Garden

Tulipa ‘Queen Of Night’ (Single Late Tulip)

Queen of the Night Tulip, Tulip 'Queen Of Night', Single Late Tulips, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers

AGM Award
Queen of Night Tulip, Tulipa Queen of Night, Tulip 'Queen Of Night', Single Late Tulip 'Queen Of Night', Single Late Tulips, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers, Tulipe Queen of Night, AGM Tulips, Black tulips, bulb combination
Tulipa Queen of Night, Tulip 'Queen Of Night', Single Late Tulip 'Queen Of Night', Single Late Tulips, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers, Tulipe Queen of Night, AGM Tulips, Black tulips, bulb combination
Tulipa 'Menton', Tulip 'Menton', Single Late Tulip 'Menton', Single Late Tulips, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers, Pink Tulip, Orange Tulip, Single Late Tulip, French Tulip
Queen of Night Tulip, Tulipa Queen of Night, Tulip 'Queen Of Night', Single Late Tulip 'Queen Of Night', Single Late Tulips, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers, Tulipe Queen of Night, AGM Tulips, Black tulips, bulb combination

The Queen of the Night tulip is a remarkable flower that combines beauty, elegance, and a touch of mystery. Its deep, dark blooms and regal presence make it a standout in any garden or floral arrangement. At the same time, its hardiness and ease of cultivation ensure that it remains a favorite among gardeners worldwide. Whether you are looking to create a dramatic garden display or add a sophisticated touch to a bouquet, the Queen of the Night tulip is an excellent choice.

The Queen of the Night Tulip: An In-depth Look

The Queen of the Night tulip is a striking and elegant single late tulip cherished for its deep, dark purple blooms that are so richly colored they appear almost black. This late-blooming tulip has earned a reputation for being one of the most dramatic and mysterious flowers available, often called the “black tulip” of modern gardens. The Queen of the Night tulip is prized for its smooth, cup-shaped petals that shimmer with a velvety texture, adding an air of sophistication and luxury to any garden or floral arrangement. Its unique color and regal presence have made it a favorite among gardeners who appreciate bold and unconventional beauty.

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 Queen of the Night 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 24-26 inches tall (60-65 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 shade of purple that appears almost black, especially in lower light conditions. The petals are smooth and slightly glossy and have a cup-shaped form that opens fully in warm weather. The color of the blooms can vary slightly depending on the light and temperature, with cooler temperatures often producing the darkest hues.

Bloom Time: The Queen of the Night tulip is a late-blooming variety, usually flowering in late spring, around May to early June, depending on the climate.

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: The Queen of the Night tulip has received several accolades for its beauty and performance in the garden. It is a 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: The Queen of the Night 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

Additionally, Queen of the Night tulips are popular in cut flower arrangements, where their deep color adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to bouquets and floral displays.

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.

Queen of Night Tulip, Tulipa Queen of Night, Tulip 'Queen Of Night', Single Late Tulip 'Queen Of Night', Single Late Tulips, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers, Tulipe Queen of Night, AGM Tulips, Black tulips, bulb combination

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.

Learn How To Plant, Grow and Care for Tulips


Tulips are a quintessential spring flower, loved for their vibrant colors and elegant blooms. Growing and caring for tulips is surprisingly easy, making them a favorite for gardeners of all levels. Whether you’re planting bulbs in the fall or enjoying their stunning spring display, these tips will help you cultivate beautiful, healthy tulips year after year.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Liliaceae
Genus Tulipa
Common names Tulip
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 4" (10cm)
Spacing 4" (10cm)
Depth 7" (18cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Tulipa (Tulip)
Guides with
Tulipa (Tulip)
Not sure which Tulipa (Tulip) to pick?
Compare Now

Alternative Plants to Consider

Tulipa ‘Texas Flame’ (Parrot Tulip)
Tulipa ‘Salmon Parrot’ (Parrot Tulip)
Tulipa ‘Rasta Parrot’ (Parrot Tulip)
Tulipa ‘Dee Jay Parrot’ (Parrot Tulip)
Tulipa ‘Caribbean Parrot’ (Parrot Tulip)
Tulipa ‘Paul Scherer’ (Triumph Tulip)

Recommended Companion Plants

Narcissi (Daffodils)
Hyacinthus orientalis (Dutch Hyacinth)
Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

A Pretty Spring Border Idea with Tulips and Bleeding Hearts
A Glowing Spring Border with 4 Amazing Tulips
Black & White Spring Border Idea for your Garden
A Magnificent Spring Border idea for a Joyful Display
A Lovely Border Idea for the Mid-Late Spring Garden
A Fabulous Border Idea with Single Late Tulips
A Magnificent Spring Border idea with 2 Fabulous Tulips
A Spectacular Spring Border Idea with Single Late Tulips
A Spectacular and Long-Lasting Spring Border Idea
Top 50 Most Beautiful Flowers Worldwide
57 Red Flowers for Every Garden Style
54 Orange Flowers To Brighten Up Your Garden with Bold Blooms
42 Green Flowers for Your Garden or Bouquets
How Long Do Tulips Last?
Orange Tulips: The Vibrant Choice for Bold Spring Gardens
Blue Tulips: Are They Real or Just a Dream?
Are Tulips Perennial? How to Make them Last in your Garden
Red Tulips: A Bold Statement of Love and Passion
Yellow Tulips: The Sunny Stars of the Spring Garden
When To Plant Tulip Bulbs
Black Tulips: Top Varieties for a Dramatic Garden Display
Purple Tulips: A Touch of Royalty in Your Garden
White Tulips: The Perfect Addition to Your Spring Garden
Tulip Mania: The World’s First Economic Bubble
Pink Tulips: A Must-Have for Your Spring Garden
Are Tulips Toxic to Dogs?
Are Tulips Toxic to Cats?
30 Best Spring Flowers to Spruce up Your Garden
Popular Flower Bulbs For Your Garden and Pots
Brighten Up Your Garden From January Through May with Colorful Flower Bulbs
Pretty Tulips that Come Back Every Year
Flower Bulbs That Thrive Under Trees
Combining Tulips with Annuals and Perennials
Best Flower Bulbs For Your Rock Garden
Bulbs that return to the garden year after year!
Botanical Tulips
Double Early Tulips
Single Early Tulips
Parrot Tulips
Double Late Tulips
Kaufmanniana Tulips
Fosteriana Tulips
Fringed Tulips
Lily-Flowered Tulips
Single Late Tulips
Viridiflora Tulips
Triumph Tulips
Darwin Hybrid Tulips
Greigii Tulips
Tulip Types
Tulips
Why Spring is Really Three Seasons
Learn How To Plant, Grow and Care for Tulips
Learn How To Plant And Care for Your Spring Flower Bulbs
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
12 Top Performing Spring Bulbs that Come Back Year After Year!
Lasagne Planting Method
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Buy Plants

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Liliaceae
Genus Tulipa
Common names Tulip
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 4" (10cm)
Spacing 4" (10cm)
Depth 7" (18cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Tulipa (Tulip)
Guides with
Tulipa (Tulip)
Not sure which Tulipa (Tulip) to pick?
Compare Now

Gardening Ideas

Plant Calculator

How many Tulipa ‘Queen Of Night’ (Single Late Tulip) do I need for my garden?

Input your garden space dimensions

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Tulipa ‘Queen Of Night’ (Single Late Tulip) N/A Buy Plants

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone