Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Tulipa 'Black Hero'
Plant Common Name
Black Hero Tulip, Double Late Tulip
General Description
The late-blooming ‘Black Hero' is a beautiful, fragrant, double tulip that originated as a sport from popular single late tulip, 'Queen of the Night'. Though commonly described as “black”, the petals are actually deepest burgundy-purple. This long-stemmed cultivar is ideal for cutting and will add a color twist to any spring arrangement.
Tulip bulbs are often short-lived, save some species and select cultivars, so they are often treated as annuals. Their bulbs can be eaten by small mammals, such as voles, and may require winter protection. Likewise, their sweet green tops are favored by deer, so tulips are not recommended for gardens that are frequented by the large four-legged pests.
Despite these problems, they are generally easy to grow. For best growth and flowerings choose a site with full to partial sun and fertile soil with good drainage. Underplant them with pansies for a dynamic display. After blooming, it is good to let the green tops of reliably perennial tulips to photosynthesize so they can store plenty for fuel for next spring’s display. Once their leaves start to turn yellow, they can be cut to the ground. Hardiness is cultivar/species dependent, but all require a chilling period to bloom.
Tulips offer spring color to containers or sunny gardens. Be sure to consider height and bloom time when designing with them as these vary greatly from cultivar to cultivar. It is also wise to plant extra for cutting as they make superb long-lasting cut flowers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
16"-20" / 40.6cm - 50.8cm
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Width
5"-8" / 12.7cm - 20.3cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Burgundy, Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Double
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
