Tulipa 'Black Hero'
double late tulip bulbs
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or general purpose compost for containers
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
- Bulb size: 11/12
A stunning double-flowered tulip with deep maroon-black blooms with a satin sheen. This has been bred from the highly acclaimed tulip 'Queen of Night' and has the same distinctive midnight black flowers, but with many more petals. Plant it somewhere prominent so you can really enjoy the flowers when they appear in May. In the photos we have paired it with Allium 'Silver Spring'.
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
Goes well with...
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Clematis 'Multi Blue'
early large flowered clematis (group 2)
3 litre pot | 60cm cane
-
Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve'
perennial wallflower
9cm pot
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Ceanothus 'Skylark'
Californian lilac
2 litre pot
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Bulb/peony support - pewter
Ø62 × H39cm
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Bulb planting auger - long
small
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RHS Burgon and Ball long handled bulb planter
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Pot supports Crocus green - set of 2
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Bulb planting auger - short
medium
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DeWit tulip and daffodil bulb planter
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Darlac long handled bulb planter
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Terracotta tulip pot
Ø37 × H50cm