Black tulip varieties

These tulips carry near-black in the flower, either across the whole flower or as a dark base or center. The darkest are the ones sold as black tulips; their flowers are deep maroon close to black. The table below compares their group, height, hardiness zones and bloom time side by side.

Varieties
7
Height
0½–2 ft (10–61 cm)
Hardiness
USDA zones 3–8
Form

2 Triumph

1 Double late

1 Parrot

1 Greigii

1 Single late

1 Species

Compare all 7 side by side

All 7 black tulip varieties

A Black Hero tulip flower up close on the plant Black Hero Double Late tulip with glossy maroon, near-black peony-like flowers on 20-inch stems. Late spring18–20 in (46–51 cm)Double late
A Black Parrot tulip flower up close on the plant Black Parrot Parrot tulip with ruffled maroon-burgundy petals and a near-black center on 18-inch stems. Mid spring, Late spring18 in (46 cm)Parrot
A Casa Grande tulip flower up close on the plant Casa Grande Greigii tulip with large tomato-red flowers and a black center, 18 inches tall. Early spring18 in (46 cm)Greigii
A Paul Scherer tulip flower up close on the plant Paul Scherer Triumph tulip with purple-black egg-shaped flowers on 16-18 inch stems in mid-spring. Mid spring16–18 in (41–46 cm)Triumph
A Queen of Night tulip flower up close on the plant Queen of Night Single Late tulip with deep maroon, near-black flowers on 24-inch stems in late spring. Late spring2 ft (61 cm)Single late
A Ronaldo tulip flower up close on the plant Ronaldo Triumph tulip, deep carmine-maroon nearly black at base, 14-18 inches, mid spring. Mid spring14–18 in (35–46 cm)Triumph
A Tulipa linifolia tulip flower up close on the plant Tulipa linifolia Scarlet-red species tulip with purplish-black bases, 4 to 6 inches tall, blooming in May. Late spring4–6 in (10–15 cm)Species

How to choose

  1. Start with the group. The tulip classification sorts tulips by flower shape and flowering time, so the Form column tells you whether a variety opens early, mid-season or late in spring.

  2. A near-black tulip can also carry burgundy, or be a red tulip with only a dark base. Check the Color column and the description if you want a flower that is dark all over.

  3. Check the Height column before you plan the bed. Tulips of the same color can differ a lot in height, and a tall variety set in front of a short one will hide it.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Black Hero Double late 18–20 in (46–51 cm) 3–8 Late spring Full sun, Part shade
Black Parrot Parrot 18 in (46 cm) 3–8 Mid spring, Late spring Full sun, Part shade
Casa Grande Greigii 18 in (46 cm) 3–8 Early spring Full sun, Part shade
Paul Scherer Triumph 16–18 in (41–46 cm) 3–8 Mid spring Full sun, Part shade
Queen of Night Single late 2 ft (61 cm) 3–8 Late spring Full sun, Part shade
Ronaldo Triumph 14–18 in (35–46 cm) 3–8 Mid spring Full sun, Part sun, Part shade
Tulipa linifolia Species 4–6 in (10–15 cm) 4–8 Late spring Full sun

Frequently asked questions

Is any tulip truly black?

The sellers we cite describe their black tulips as glossy maroon, near black or deep maroon. That is why we record the color as near-black.

When should these tulip bulbs be planted?

In fall, before your first frost, according to Penn State Extension; Iowa State notes they can go in as late as December if the ground is not frozen. Our bulb calendar gives the first frost date for your ZIP code.

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