Black Forest tulip collection
tulip collection
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil, or general-purpose potting compost for containers
- Flowering period: March to May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
This curated trio in moody, mystical tones will create an eye-catching display in borders or arrangements. 'Queen of Night' promises velvety maroon blooms so deep they're nearly black, earning their reputation as a top dark variety. 'Purple Flag' unfurls with plum-coloured flowers on robust stems. Then for added drama, 'Black Parrot' produces exhilarating fringed blooms in a gothic purple.
In each collection you will receive the following:
- 20 × Tulipa 'Queen of Night': These are probably the best loved of the deep purple tulips. Their velvety, dark maroon, single, cup-shaped flowers on straight stems in May are stunning, so they do deserve their acclaim. The almost-black tulips work well in a 'bruised' coloured border, planted between other plum-coloured flowers and foliage plants. Grows to 60cm.
- 20 × Tulipa 'Purple Flag': A stunning tulip, that will add strength to planting schemes containing shades of plum, lilac and blue. It also associates well with plants that have silvery-coloured foliage. Stout and robust, it stands up well in poor weather conditions and the flowers are excellent for cutting. Grows to 45cm.
- 10 × Tulipa 'Black Parrot': Dramatic, blackish-purple, cup-shaped flowers with irregularly cut wavy petals in May and strap-like, grey-green leaves. These spectacular black parrot tulips, one of the darkest varieties currently available, make excellent cut flowers. To prevent the exotic flowers from flopping they're best planted close together in a sunny, sheltered, well-drained spot. Grows to 55cm.
Using fresh, good-quality compost, plant bulbs in pots from September to November. For borders, we advise waiting until after the first frosts (typically mid-October to early December depending on your location) to reduce the risk of potential disease such as Tulip Fire. Plant bulbs 15-20cm (6-8in) deep and 10-15cm (4-6in) apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq or 60-75 bulbs per m². If you’re unable to plant your bulbs immediately, they can be stored in a cool environment with good air circulation. Remove all the packaging and place them in a loose-weave jute sack before labelling and hanging up in a dry, unheated garden shed or well-ventilated greenhouse.
In spring, when the plants are in active growth, apply a high-potash fertiliser (like Tomorite) each week until the leaves start to die back. Pinch off the spent flower heads as the petals fall, and let the stem and foliage die back naturally. The bulbs can then be lifted and discarded, or cleaned, dried and stored (as before) for replanting the following autumn.
In spring, when the plants are in active growth, apply a high-potash fertiliser (like Tomorite) each week until the leaves start to die back. Pinch off the spent flower heads as the petals fall, and let the stem and foliage die back naturally. The bulbs can then be lifted and discarded, or cleaned, dried and stored (as before) for replanting the following autumn.
- Humans: Harmful if eaten; skin allergen; Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten