Black Hero Double Peony Tulip Bulbs

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

22-24 in.

Mature Spread

3-6 in.

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Black Hero Double Peony Tulips open exceptionally full, near-black flowers composed of layers of deep purple petals with a subtle maroon cast. This Double Late tulip resembles a peony in flower form and reaches about 22 to 24 inches tall on upright stems suited to cutting. Ten premium 12 cm bulbs produce the sweetly fragrant flowers in mid to late spring, extending the tulip season after many varieties have finished. 

Black Hero originated as a sport of the famous Queen of Night tulip and carries the same unusually dark coloring in a much fuller flower. Its substantial double blooms are long-lasting for a tulip and work particularly well in bouquets, cutting beds, walkway plantings, and large patio containers. The dark coloring is most distinctive in strong spring light. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, it can return for additional seasons in sharply drained soil, although Double Late tulips are generally less dependable than Darwin hybrids. 

Black Hero Double Peony Tulip Bulbs Care

Plant Black Hero Double Peony Tulip Bulbs in fall, about 4 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes, placing them 6 to 8 inches deep with the pointed end facing upward. Select full sun to partial shade, favoring a location with abundant spring light to support sturdy stems and well-developed flowers. Loose, well-drained loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH around 6.0 to 7.0 is best. Tulip like sites that remain comparatively dry after spring growth ends.

Water thoroughly after planting, then rely mainly on seasonal rainfall through winter unless conditions stay unusually dry for an extended period. During spring growth, irrigate when the upper few inches of soil have dried, then gradually reduce supplemental water once flowering ends and the foliage starts yellowing. Apply a balanced or low-nitrogen bulb fertilizer as shoots emerge in spring, following the label rate. A thin winter mulch can help moderate soil temperature swings in colder gardens.

Remove spent flowers after bloom but keep the stems and leaves attached until they turn yellow and collapse naturally. For cutting, harvest stems once the buds are fully colored and beginning to open, leaving several leaves behind to continue supporting the bulb. Deer and rabbits readily browse tulips, so exposed gardens may need fencing, repellents, or protective mesh as shoots emerge.

Black Hero Double Peony Tulip Bulbs Spacing

Set bulbs about 3 to 6 inches apart in garden beds, grouping seven or more to develop a concentrated patch of the dark flowers. Containers should be at least 10 to 12 inches deep with open drainage holes and a free-draining potting mix; space bulbs somewhat closer for a fuller seasonal display. Move containers to an unheated sheltered location in colder zones where repeated deep freezing could damage the root zone. 

Black Hero Double Peony Tulip Bulbs Companion Plants

Allium makes a strong perennial partner because it shares a preference for sun and drainage and extends bulb-season interest as the tulips begin to finish. Loropetalum can serve as a permanent shrub backdrop in suitable climates, with its dark foliage creating a layered setting for the near-black tulips. Nemesia works well around Black Hero in containers, providing lower cool-season flowers that complement the tall, densely petaled blooms. 

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