As a gardener who loves unique flower forms and rich vivid colors, I’m always seeking out tulips that make a dramatic impact in spring. Two of my long-time favorites are the deep purple ‘Queen of Night’ and soft pink ‘Pink Diamond’ tulips which combine beautifully for a regal display.
In this article, I’ll provide tips for growing these striking late-blooming tulips together, along with a brief profile of each variety. Read on to learn why pairing ‘Queen of Night’ and ‘Pink Diamond’ results in a show-stopping garden duo.
An Elegant Color Combo
While tulips come in a huge array of dazzling hues, the rich, saturated purple of ‘Queen of Night’ is truly exotic. This nearly black flower has an intoxicating, gothic beauty about it
The lighter, brighter pink of ‘Pink Diamond’ offers the perfect counterpoint. Its soft, romantic color reminds me of airy ballerina tutus and flowers made of spun sugar.
Together, these two tulips evoke images of medieval queens, tiaras, and royal gowns. The mix of deep purple and pale pink is elegant, feminine and simply stunning in the spring garden.
Growing ‘Queen of Night’ Tulips
‘Queen of Night’ is a Darwin Hybrid type tulip belonging to the Single Late bloom class. This means it has a tall, stately form with large, oval-shaped blooms on sturdy 24-30 inch stems.
The flower color is so deep purple that it appears jet black. The petals have a velvety sheen and subtle ruffling at the edges. Inside, there is a blue-purple base. This exotic tulip blooms in mid to late spring.
Like others in the Single Late class, ‘Queen of Night’ works beautifully in perennial beds and borders. The tall, strong stems also make it exceptional as a cut flower.
For the richest color, plant bulbs in full sun. Well-drained soil amended with compost is ideal. Allow 4-6 inches between bulbs.
Highlights of ‘Pink Diamond’ Tulips
‘Pink Diamond’ is a member of the Single Late tulip class like ‘Queen of Night,’ with large blooms on tall, sturdy stems that bloom in mid to late spring.
The color is a luminous light pink that resembles the petals of cherry blossoms. The flower shape is a classic tulip form – oval and cup-shaped. The petals have ruffled edges and pointed tips.
This variety performs best in full sun for the truest color. Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter encourages strong growth. Space bulbs 4-6 inches apart. The height reaches 24-30 inches.
‘Pink Diamond’ makes a graceful cut flower and works nicely in perennial and mixed borders. The soft pink color pairs beautifully with pastels and darker blooms.
Combine Queen and Diamond for a Royal Display
Growing ‘Queen of Night’ and ‘Pink Diamond’ tulips together results in a regal spring display. There are several ways to showcase these blooms:
- Plant in drifts or swaths of each variety for bold color contrast.
- Alternate bulbs in rows or clusters for a checkerboard effect.
- Edge a bed of ‘Queen of Night’ with a border of ‘Pink Diamond’ or vice versa.
- Mix bulbs randomly for an informal, scattered look.
- Grow in containers for a movable display with height and interest.
- Cut stems to arrange indoors in jewel-toned bouquets.
When pairing these tulips, choose companions like forget-me-nots, parsley, daisies, hyacinths, and purple-leaved heuchera. Avoid clashes with fiery reds or citrusy colors.
With their regal elegance and complementary hues, ‘Queen of Night’ and ‘Pink Diamond’ tulips are sure to add a touch of beauty and flair to your spring landscape.
Other Notable Black Tulips
Beyond the classic ‘Queen of Night,’ there are several other deep purple and black tulips to consider:
- ‘Paul Scherer’ – Slightly lighter purple than ‘Queen of Night’ on 24 inch stems.
- ‘Black Parrot’ – Deep purple-black with dramatically ruffled, parrot-shaped petals.
- ‘Ebony Queen’ – Large purple-black blooms on sturdy 24 inch stems.
- ‘Black Hero’ – Very dark purple that appears jet black under certain light.
- ‘Queen of Marvel’ – Deep reddish-black with bright yellow center flame.
More Outstanding Pink Tulips
Some other excellent pink tulips that pair well with dark purples include:
- ‘Pretty Princess’ – Vibrant fuchsia-pink with white centers.
- ‘Strong Gold’ – Light pink with dramatic yellow streaks and flames.
- ‘Angelique’ – Soft baby pink Single Late with elegant shape.
- ‘Pink Impression’ – Vivid rosy-pink Darwin Hybrid that’s earlier blooming.
- ‘Menton’ – Frothy, peach-pink petals edged with green.
Experiment with mixing different pink and purple varieties for extra flair! Just be sure to plant bulbs of the same bloom time together. Combining early and late bloomers results in a disjointed display. With thoughtful planning and pairing, you can create unforgettable tulip combinations.
*Ships Now For Immediate Planting*
| Well Drained Soil |
Hardiness Zones 3 to 8
| Full Sun, Partial Shade |
‘Queen of the Night’ Tulip from Johnny’s Selected Seeds
FAQ
Do Queen of the Night tulips come back?
Easy to grow and often coming back year after year, this award-winning (RHS AGM) tulip is invaluable for adding colour and impact to borders or pots throughout May, and the flowers can also last a week or more in a vase if they’re cut when the buds start to flush with colour.
What is the most expensive tulip in the world?
The most expensive Tulip Bulb ever sold was the Semper Augustus. Historical sources show that a contract for a single bulb sold for 5,200 Guilders at the height of Tulip Mania in 1637.
Is the queen of night tulip a perennial or annual?
Tall and elegant, Single Late Tulips bloom in late spring with large, goblet-shaped flowers on strong stems (24–30″). They come in a broad color range and are moderately perennial under ideal conditions.
What is the rarest color of a tulip?
They can be grown in practically any colour, from snowy white to purples so dark they are almost black. The only colour tulips aren’t available in is blue. Blue is one of the rarest colours in flowers, and despite breeders’ best efforts, ‘blue’ tulips are usually more purple or lilac.
What is Queen of the Night tulip?
The Queen of the Night tulip is a remarkable flower that combines beauty, elegance, and a touch of mystery. Its deep, dark blooms and regal presence make it a standout in any garden or floral arrangement. At the same time, its hardiness and ease of cultivation ensure that it remains a favorite among gardeners worldwide.
How big does a queen of the Night tulip grow?
It is truly a standout in any garden or landscape. The Queen of the Night Tulip typically grows to a height of 18 to 22 inches, making it a medium-sized tulip. Its blooms are cup-shaped and can reach a diameter of 4 to 6 inches. The petals are smooth and glossy, adding to the allure of this enchanting flower.
How to grow Queen of the night tulips?
Insert your index finger in the soil; if it comes out dry, it’s time to hydrate your plant. Queen of the Night Tulip grows well in areas with cool winters and warm summers. It needs 12-14 weeks of temperature under 55 F for flowering. Hence, in zones with warm winter temperatures, grow tulips as annuals and buy from vendors who prechill the bulbs.
How do you choose a queen of the Night tulip?
The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. When it comes to temperature, the Queen of the Night Tulip is quite adaptable. It can tolerate both cold winters and warm summers, making it a versatile choice for many regions. However, it is important to note that this tulip variety does not perform well in excessively humid climates.
How do you care for a queen of the Night tulip?
Fertilize your tulip plant at the top of the soil. While growing queen of the night tulip as perennial, cut back the flower stalk just after the flowering to prevent the plant from generating the seed pods. This is required as they discharge the energy of the bulb and reduce its lifespan.
How do you propagate a queen of the Night tulip?
The Queen of the Night Tulip can be propagated through several methods, including division and bulb offsets. Division involves separating the bulbs into smaller sections and replanting them. This should be done in the fall, during the dormant season. Bulb offsets are small bulbs that form around the main bulb.