Queen of Night Tulip

'Queen of Night' tulip (Tulipa 'Queen of Night'), from the Liliaceae family, is a perennial bulbous garden tulip grown as a spring highlight in Quebec gardens. Renowned for its very deep, almost black, plum color, it offers a simple flower with a velvety finish that stands out clearly from lighter tulips. Its upright habit, sturdy stem, and height of 45 to 55 cm (18 to 22 in) give it a refined presence in beds, borders, or bouquets. Offered in a pack of 6 bulbs by Van Noort, it blooms late in spring, generally from April to May depending on the region and weather. Choose a location in full sun, in light, fertile, and very well-drained soil, as tulips do not tolerate stagnant moisture well.

Quantity: 6 units
Exposure: Sun

Common nameTulip Queen of Night

FamilyLiliaceae

GenusTulip

TypeBulb

Botanical nameTulip

Tulip 'Queen of Night' (Tulipa). The 'Queen of Night' tulip (Tulipa 'Queen of Night'), from the Liliaceae family, is a perennial bulbous garden tulip cultivated as a spring star in Quebec gardens. Recognized for its very deep, almost black plum color, it offers a single flower with a velvety finish that stands out distinctly from lighter tulips. Its upright habit, sturdy stem, and height of 45 to 55 cm (18 to 22 in.) give it a refined presence in beds, borders, or bouquets. Offered in packs of 6 bulbs by Van Noort, it blooms late in spring, generally from April to May depending on the region and weather.

'Queen of Night' tulip bulbs are planted in the fall, from September to October, before the ground freezes. Choose a location in full sun, in light, fertile, and very well-drained soil, as tulips do not tolerate stagnant moisture well. Plant the bulbs about 15 cm (6 in.) deep, spaced 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in.) apart, then water lightly after planting. Hardy in zone 3 and above, it requires little maintenance: a bulb fertilizer in the fall or early spring supports flowering, and the foliage should be left in place until it turns completely yellow to recharge the bulb. Maintain access for watering without trampling the planting.

Thanks to its dramatic hue, 'Queen of Night' creates striking contrasts with white, pale pink, golden yellow, or apricot tulips. It is suitable for contemporary beds, classic flowerbeds, spring containers, and cut arrangements. Its late blooming extends the interest of bulb plantings and provides an elegant finale to the tulip season. For a denser effect in the garden, plant bulbs in groups rather than in isolated rows. Keep a durable label to find this planting during its dormancy. Use clean tools to remove damaged parts without harming neighboring stems. Observe the bed throughout the season to adjust care according to the weather and the actual growth of the plants.

Planting guide

Plant well.Grow beautifully.

Growing method

'Queen of Night' tulip (Tulipa 'Queen of Night'), of the Liliaceae family, is a perennial bulbous garden tulip grown as a spring highlight in Quebec gardens. Its upright habit, sturdy stem, and height of 45 to 55 cm (18 to 22 in) give it a refined presence in beds, borders, or bouquets. Offered in packs of 6 bulbs by Van Noort, it blooms late in spring, generally from April to May depending on the region and weather. 'Queen of Night' tulip bulbs are planted in the fall, from September to October, before the ground freezes. Choose a location in full sun, in light, fertile, and very well-drained soil, as tulips tolerate stagnant moisture poorly. Plant the bulbs about 15 cm (6 in) deep, spaced 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in) apart, then water lightly after planting. Hardy in zone 3 and above, it requires little maintenance: a bulb fertilizer in the fall or early spring supports flowering, and the foliage should be left in place until it completely yellows to recharge the bulb. Its late blooming extends the interest of bulb plantings and provides an elegant finale to the tulip season. For a denser effect in the garden, plant the bulbs in groups rather than in isolated rows.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Watering

Water according to the actual soil moisture, taking into account rainfall, heat, and wind. Check below the surface before deciding on further watering: soil that is dry on the surface may still be moist at the root level. Direct the water to the base and allow it to penetrate, without keeping the plant in saturated soil. Ensure that their drainage holes remain clear and empty any saucers that retain water. Also, adapt care to the plant's cycle: active growth and a resting period do not require the same inputs.

Soil type

Choose loose, well-drained soil where water does not sit around the roots or bulbs for too long. Check drainage after rain: water should be able to drain away from the root zone. Work the soil when it is dry to avoid compacting it. Adapt soil amendments to its actual texture. For container plants, use an appropriate potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Keep these openings clear and avoid any water accumulation in the saucer.

Fertilization

Feed the plantation, taking into account soil richness and any previous applications. Soil that has been regularly amended does not require the same care as potting mix used all season. If you use a fertilizer, respect its dosage and application method, without multiplying products. Avoid concentrated applications against roots or storage organs. Observe growth before renewing fertilization: adding more fertilizer does not guarantee more flowers.

Seasonal care

Plant tulips in the fall, in soil that is still easy to work with before it freezes. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, then loosen the soil to a sufficient depth. Place the bulbs with the pointed end up and follow the planting depth indicated for their size. When planting in groups, leave space between the bulbs to allow roots to develop. Water after backfilling if the soil is dry. Avoid areas where water remains on the surface after rain and mark the planting so as not to damage the bulbs during subsequent gardening work. In spring, monitor moisture during growth and water at the base if a dry period persists. Remove faded flowers while keeping the leaves green. This foliage allows the bulb to replenish its reserves; wait for it to yellow naturally before cutting it, and avoid braiding it. In containers, check for dryness more often than in the ground and always allow excess water to drain away. Re-growth and flowering in subsequent years depend on the variety and growing conditions. Keep bulbs out of reach of children and animals: tulips are ornamental and not for consumption. As the seasons progress, observe new shoots, soil moisture, and the condition of the stems. A durable label helps locate the planting during its dormancy. Clean tools after cutting diseased parts and remove debris that degrades around the base.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Container gardening requires planning for the necessary root volume and the plant's final height. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a suitable planting medium. Leave enough space to respect the recommended depth and spacing, rather than overcrowding plants to fill the pot immediately. Place the container in the indicated exposure and regularly check the moisture, especially in hot or windy weather. A pot is more exposed to temperature variations than planting directly in the ground. Therefore, plan for a wintering location compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate from the start. Plant tulips in the fall, in soil that is still easy to work before it freezes. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil, then loosen the soil to a sufficient depth. Place the bulbs point-up and respect the planting depth indicated for their size. When planting in groups, leave space between the bulbs to allow roots to develop. Water after backfilling if the soil is dry. Avoid areas where water remains on the surface after rain and mark the planting location to avoid damaging the bulbs during subsequent gardening work. In winter, protect the container according to the plant's needs: its roots are more exposed to cold than when planted in the ground.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Bloom period

Renowned for its deep, almost black, plum color, it offers a single flower with a velvety finish that stands out from lighter tulips. Offered in a pack of 6 bulbs by Van Noort, it blooms late in spring, generally from April to May depending on the region and weather. Hardy in zone 3 and above, it requires little maintenance: a bulb fertilizer in the fall or early spring supports flowering, and the foliage should be left in place until it yellows completely to recharge the bulb.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

To accompany Tulip Queen of Night, you could consider grape hyacinths, pansies, or forget-me-nots. Choose neighboring varieties based on their height, flowering period, and the colors you wish to combine. Most importantly, ensure their exposure and water needs are suitable for the same location. Leave enough space so that leaves don't obscure young shoots and to easily access each plant during maintenance. These pairings are for designing your garden's aesthetic; they do not guarantee protection against pests or diseases. Adjust the arrangement after observing one growing season.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

How to successfully plant Tulip Queen of Night?

Plant tulips in the fall, in soil that is still easy to work with before it freezes. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, then loosen the soil to a sufficient depth. Place the bulbs with the pointed end up and respect the planting depth indicated for their size. When planting in groups, leave space between the bulbs to allow the roots to develop. Water after backfilling if the soil is dry. Avoid areas where water remains on the surface after rain and mark the planting location to avoid damaging the bulbs during subsequent gardening work. Keep a durable label to easily find this planting during its dormant period.

What kind of light should I provide for Tulip Queen of Night?

The recommended exposure is full sun. Observe the light in your chosen spot in the morning and afternoon, as the shade from trees or buildings changes throughout the day. Also consider neighboring plants: their foliage can obscure a young planting as it develops. For container plants, place the pot where you can move it if conditions become too hot or too shady. Appropriate exposure must go hand in hand with suitable soil and watering. If you move a plant started indoors outdoors, gradually accustom it to garden conditions to avoid too abrupt a transition for the young leaves.

How to adjust watering?

Water according to the actual soil moisture, taking into account rain, heat, and wind. Check below the surface before deciding to water again: soil that is dry on the surface may still be moist at the root level. Direct the water to the base and let it penetrate, without keeping the plant in saturated soil. Containers generally require more frequent checks because they dry out faster. Make sure their drainage holes remain clear and empty any saucers that collect water. Also, adapt care to the plant's cycle: active growth and a resting period do not require the same inputs.

What to plan for container gardening?

Container growing requires planning for the root ball and the plant's final height. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a suitable planting medium. Leave enough space to respect the recommended depth and spacing, rather than overcrowding plants to immediately fill the pot. Place the container in the indicated exposure and regularly check the moisture level, especially in hot or windy weather. A pot is more exposed to temperature variations than a plant in the ground. Therefore, plan ahead for a wintering location compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate.

What care should be planned after the growing season?

In spring, monitor humidity during growth and water at the base if a dry spell continues. Remove faded flowers while keeping the leaves green. This foliage allows the bulb to replenish its reserves; wait for it to yellow naturally before cutting it and avoid braiding it. In containers, check for dryness more often than in open ground and always allow excess water to drain. Regrowth and flowering in subsequent years depend on the variety and growing conditions. Keep bulbs out of reach of children and animals: tulips are ornamental and not for consumption.