Description

Tulip Paul Scherer is one of the deepest and most dramatic tulips available, often regarded as the “blackest” tulip in cultivation. Classified as a Triumph Tulip, it produces bold, cup-shaped blooms in an extraordinary shade of velvety maroon-black that almost reads as jet black in certain lights. The petals have a subtle satiny sheen that catches spring sunlight, adding dimension and mystery to its already striking colour. This intensity of colour provides unmatched depth in planting schemes, making Paul Scherer a favourite among designers seeking a bold contrast in borders and mass displays.

Standing around 40–50 cm tall, Paul Scherer is carried on sturdy, upright stems with broad green foliage that sets off its dark flowers beautifully. It flowers reliably in mid- to late spring, holding its form well even in Ireland’s unsettled weather. Its resilience to wind and rain makes it particularly suited to exposed landscapes, civic planting, and large-scale beds where consistency and durability are essential.

Its biodiversity value is moderate as it does offer nectar and pollen in modest amounts, their simple, open flower form makes them more accessible to pollinators than double or heavily ruffled varieties. This means Paul Scherer can still contribute to biodiversity-friendly schemes, especially when planted alongside pollinator-rich bulbs such as Muscari, Anemone blanda, or species Narcissus.

In design, Paul Scherer shines when used as a contrast tulip. Its near-black tones pair superbly with whites like Tulip Maureen, pastels such as Tulip Menton, or fiery shades like Tulip Jimmy or Ballerina. It also works well in naturalistic schemes when underplanted with silvery foliage plants or pale spring perennials, where it acts as an anchor colour grounding lighter palettes. In contemporary landscaping, it provides a sleek, architectural punch that elevates public plantings and private gardens alike.

As a cut flower, Paul Scherer is highly prized by florists for its longevity and its dramatic colouring, which brings sophistication and theatre to arrangements. Whether used in modern minimalist vases or combined with softer blooms like lilacs or peonies, its presence transforms floral designs into something bold and unforgettable.