Tulipa 'Negrita'

42.14658737, -87.78742981

42.14658737, -87.78742218

42.14659119, -87.78742218

Single Late Tulip

Negrita triumph tulip (Tulipa 'Negrita') produces deep, plum-purple blooms on 14- to 16-inch stems in the middle of tulip season. Triumph tulips used as annual bulbs can be planted almost anywhere — full sun to deep shade, moist to moderate soils — because the flower bud and reserves needed to produce it were stored in the bulb during the previous growing season.

This class of tulips does not typically naturalize well in the Chicago area due to heavy soils that hold too much water during the dormant season (mid to late summer). Best results at naturalization typically are obtained in gardens with sandy soils, where the bulbs have been inter-planted between herbaceous perennials and shrubs whose roots absorb excess summer rainfall and irrigation water.

Unknown in European gardens before the 16th century, most of the potted forced tulips sold around the world are members of the Triumph Tulip group. There are approximately 80 species of tulips growing in an arc from Central Asia to North Africa. Hybrids are used extensively as forced pot crops and in annual displays. Several dozen species tulips are grown in rock gardens where their need for perfect drainage can be met. During World War II, Dutch farmers consumed tulips when no other food crops were available, but the flavor is not particularly desirable.

Soil:
Moderate
Plant Shape:
Upright
Exposure:
Full Sun
Bloom Time:
March - April
May - June
Bloom Color:
Red
Purple
Landscape Use:
Bedding or Border
Wildlife Interest:
Attracts Butterflies
Plant Type:
Bulb
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9