Tulip 'Black Hero'
Best choice for gardeners seeking dramatic, peony-like spring floral arrangements.
Discover the dramatic allure of Tulip 'Black Hero', a fully-double variety that stunningly resembles a black Peony. As a sport of the renowned 'Queen of the Night', these late-blooming tulips produce large, lush, multi-layered flowers, perfect for adding romantic focal points to your spring garden or for elegant cut flower arrangements. Plant these bulbs in the fall in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, and enjoy their captivating display in May. White Flower Farm guarantees your satisfaction with a 1-year money-back guarantee.
$21.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1536
/ 3100
#1536 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-11%
Below average
Common Name
Double Late Tulip
/ Double Late Tulip
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast, moody floral accents
- Designers wanting lush, peony-style blooms in late spring
- Landscapers looking to extend the spring color season
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in windy or rainy climates needing sturdy stems
- Low-maintenance gardeners wanting reliable, multi-year perennials
- Homeowners living in areas with high wildlife pressure
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
The double-layered petals create a dramatic, peony-like aesthetic for garden beds.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy stems and lush blooms make these ideal for elegant arrangements.
Climate Versatility
Broad hardiness range ensures success across most temperate gardening zones.
Planting Simplicity
Standard fall planting requirements make these accessible for novice gardeners.
Bloom Longevity
Late-season timing extends the spring color display well into May.
Garden Focal Potential
Deep, moody coloration provides a sophisticated contrast to lighter spring perennials.
Key Specs
Common Name
Double Late Tulip
Hardiness Zone
3-8S/W
Exposure
Full Sun
Blooms In
May
Mature Height
20-22 inches
Spacing
5-6 inches
Ships as
BULB
Chill Requirement
10 weeks
Features
- Fully-double blooms mimic black Peonies
- Late-blooming for extended spring color
- Exceptional for cut flower arrangements
- Sport of the darkest tulip available
- Lush, multi-layered flower structure
- Potential for multi-year performance
- Adds romantic appeal to gardens
What customers say
The Tulip 'Black Hero' earns high praise for its dramatic aesthetic and superior quality. Gardeners consistently adore the deep maroon black color and the luxurious, peony like double blooms, noting their unparalleled visual impact. Customers confirm that the large, healthy bulbs provided result in robust plants and reliable flowering, justifying the premium quality. While the heavy blooms sometimes require staking due to wind or rain, leading to occasional stem breakage, the overall consensus is that this variety is a showstopper. It delivers unique, sophisticated drama, making it a highly recommended centerpiece for late spring displays despite the initial investment.
Know before you buy
These bulbs should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes. This allows them to establish roots and meet their 10-week chilling requirement before they bloom in May.
While they are not true black, 'Black Hero' is a sport of the 'Queen of the Night,' which is considered the darkest tulip available. The deep, dark purple-maroon petals appear nearly black, especially in shaded light or when paired with lighter spring flowers.
Yes, their fully-double, multi-layered structure makes them excellent for cut flower arrangements. They provide a lush, peony-like appearance that adds a dramatic, romantic touch to indoor vases.
For the best performance, plant these bulbs in a location that receives full sun. This ensures the stems remain sturdy and the blooms reach their full potential.
While Tulip 'Black Hero' is categorized as an annual, it has the potential for multi-year performance if planted in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. However, many gardeners treat them as annuals to ensure the most vibrant, consistent display each spring.
You should space the bulbs 5 to 6 inches apart. This provides enough room for the mature plants to reach their full spread of 6 inches without overcrowding.
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$21