Tulips Toxic

Tulipa 'Negrita'

A triumph tulip in rich beetroot-purple with a satin sheen. Sturdy stems and reliable flowering make it one of the most dependable purple tulips. Flowers in April. Excellent for formal bedding, borders, and containers. Holds its colour well even in hot weather. Widely available and reasonably priced for UK gardens.

Where to plant

Best aspect

South-facingEast-facingWest-facing

Border position

Front of borderMiddle of border

When to plant and expect flowers

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

🌱

Plant

🌸

Flowers

How to grow tulipa 'negrita'

Plant 15-20cm deep in November. One of the most reliable and affordable purple tulips. Strong stems resist wind and rain. Good for formal and informal planting. The satin purple colour intensifies in cool weather.

Soil requirements

Soil type

loam, sand, chalk

Moisture

well drained

neutral, alkaline

Aftercare

Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Remove spent flower heads to prevent self-seeding.

Propagation

Offsets in autumn
Seed

Wildlife value

🐝 Attracts bees

Toxicity

All parts toxic, especially bulbs. Contains tulipalin A and B causing skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset.

🐱 Toxic to cats

🐶 Toxic to dogs

🐴 Toxic to horses

👤 Toxic to humans

Common problems

Tulip fire (Botrytis tulipae)
Squirrels digging up bulbs
Slugs on young shoots
Bulb rot in waterlogged soil

Similar bulbs to grow

Daffodils

Narcissus 'Thalia'

Hyacinths

Hyacinthus 'City of Haarlem'

Hyacinthus orientalis 'City of Haarlem'

Grape Hyacinths

Muscari armeniacum

Alliums

Allium hollandicum

Fritillaries

Fritillaria meleagris

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