They might not be as eye-catching as some of the more vibrant pink or orange-toned tulips, or paler pastel varieties, but dark tulips play an important role in any spring border or container. Adding essential depth to lighter-toned tulips, deep purple, maroon and burgundy choices make a great contrast to anchor any scheme.
We asked professional gardeners, plantspeople, garden writers and designers for the best tulip bulbs to grow. Plant the bulbs in autumn for a rich spring border.
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Moody dark tulips to grow in spring
Tulipa ‘Ronaldo’
A Triumph tulip that is suitable for the border, containers or for cutting and is very weather resistant. The burgundy-coloured flowers are held just proud of the foliage, with a complex, greyish bloom on the outside of the huge, rounded deep crimson petals. It makes a handsome, squareish flower.
40-50cm. Mid-April to May.
Tulipa ‘Black Hero’
Among the best Double Late tulips, because although it is tall, it has a stem strong enough to bear its cargo. It is also one of the best of the dark tulips, and quite perennial in the garden. Makes spherical, artichoke-like, double blooms on long, strong stems, and looks lovely associated with pale flowers or foliage. An upright form that flowers a little later than most.
40-60cm. April to May.
Tulipa ‘Black Parrot’
A glamorous, parrot-type tulip with fringed petals in almost-black.
AGM. 50cm. Mid to late May.
Tulipa ‘Paul Scherer’
This darkest, inky-maroon tulip gives weight and scale to planting. A Triumph type with sultry, almost-black, egg-shaped flowers on tall, upright, strong stems.
AGM. 50cm. Late April to early May.
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Tulipa ‘Blackjack’
An early flowering, dark-plum coloured Triumph tulip whose role can be taken on by ‘Queen of Night’ (see below) later in the season. Both of these tulips have the ability to ‘anchor’ an otherwise slightly frothy combination of bulbs.
55cm. Early to late April.
Tulipa ‘Queen of Night’
This Single Late tulip is so well known it needs no introduction. It is extremely popular, and justifiably so. Mix it with the double form ‘Black Hero’ for a spectacular late-season display.
60cm. May.
Words by Jonny Bruce, Marina Christopher, Kristy Ramage, Camilla Swift, Anna Pavord, Hannah Gardner, Stephanie Mahon, Mat Reese, Polly Nicholson, Tom Coward, Alys Fowler, Dan Pearson, Tom Brown, Asa Gregers-Warg.
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