Queen of Night Tulip Bulbs

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

28-30 in.

Mature Spread

3-6 in.

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Near-black flowers make Queen of Night Tulips one of the most distinctive choices for a late-spring planting. The deep velvety maroon of the large, egg-shaped blooms can appear almost black in certain light and becomes richer as the blooms mature. The color stands out best beside pale flowers or light foliage. Tall stems reach about 28 to 30 inches and carry the blooms and gray-green foliage at the base. 

Dating to around 1940, Queen of Night is an heirloom Single Late tulip that flowers in mid to late spring, usually around May. Single Late tulips are known for long stems and shapely flowers, making this a good selection for cutting gardens and larger border plantings. It performs well in USDA zones 3 to 8 and can be used in formal beds, mixed borders, foundation plantings, or grouped through large containers. The tall stems also give cut arrangements a substantial vertical line and a dark flower color seldom found among spring bulbs.

Queen of Night Tulip Bulbs Care

Plant Queen of Night in fall, generally several weeks before the ground freezes, so the bulbs receive the cold period required for spring flowering. Grow in full sun to partial shade in well-drained loamy, sandy, or amended clay soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Set bulbs about 6 to 8 inches deep with the pointed end facing upward.

Water thoroughly after planting, then rely mainly on seasonal precipitation until growth begins in spring. During active growth, provide supplemental water when the upper soil dries and rainfall is limited; reduce irrigation as the foliage yellows. Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer at planting or as shoots emerge in spring.

Deadhead after the flowers fade, but keep the stems and green leaves until they yellow naturally so they can replenish the bulb. Remove foliage only after it has completely collapsed. In colder areas, a light winter mulch can help moderate repeated soil temperature changes.

Queen of Night Tulip Bulbs Spacing

Space bulbs about 3 to 6 inches apart, using closer spacing for a dense group and wider spacing when integrating them among other perennials. For containers, use a pot at least 10 to 12 inches deep with unrestricted drainage and enough width for several bulbs. Protect container plantings from repeated deep freezes in zones 3 to 5 while allowing them to remain cold through winter.

Queen of Night Tulip Bulbs Companion Plants

Allium makes a strong perennial companion because its rounded flower heads add a different spring form and continue the bulb display as late tulips finish. Fothergilla can provide a woody backdrop in mixed beds, with spring flowers and textured foliage giving the dark tulips a lighter setting. In containers, primrose can add low, cool-season color in bright light and evenly moist, well-drained soil.

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