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Tulips RHS Award of Garden Merit Toxic

Tulipa 'Queen of Night'

Tulipa 'Queen of Night'

The darkest tulip, producing velvety maroon-black goblet flowers in late April and May. The near-black colour is unmatched in the bulb world. Stunning with orange wallflowers, pale tulips, and purple alliums. A design classic that features in the greatest gardens. One of the most sought-after tulips in the UK.

Tulipa 'Queen of Night' (Tulipa 'Queen of Night') in bloom

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 'queen of night'

Plant 15-20cm deep in November or December. The deep colour shows best in bright sunlight. Partner with orange, white, or pale pink tulips for contrast. Plant in groups of at least 15 for impact. Treat as annual for the strongest display or leave in well-drained soil to perennialise.

Soil requirements

Soil type

loam, sand, chalk

Moisture

well drained

pH

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

Alliums

Allium 'Purple Sensation'

Allium aflatunense 'Purple Sensation'
Daffodils

Narcissus 'Thalia'

Narcissus 'Thalia'
Hyacinths

Hyacinthus 'Woodstock'

Hyacinthus orientalis 'Woodstock'
Grape Hyacinths

Muscari armeniacum

Muscari armeniacum
Fritillaries

Fritillaria imperialis

Fritillaria imperialis

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