Pack of 10 bulbs

shipping time : Late September to Late October

Tulip 'Sambuca'

There’s a quiet grandeur to Tulip ‘Sambuca’—a Double Late Tulip that unfolds with layers of deep, velvety maroon petals so dark they almost fade to black. These rich blooms, softened by a subtle ivory glow at their base, open fully in May, filling the garden with their plush, almost peony-like presence. ‘Sambuca’ is a flower of depth and drama, but never brash—more like a whispered secret than a shout.

The height of ‘Sambuca’ is around 22–24 inches (55–60 cm), with strong, upright stems that carry large, sumptuous blooms equally striking in the border or cut for the vase, where their layered texture and dark color make a sophisticated statement.

Position: Prefers full sun to light shade and thrives in well-drained soil. It’s perfect for mixed borders or planted en masse to create a velvet-rich carpet of color.

Style tip: Use ‘Sambuca’ to bring a touch of opulence to your late spring display. It pairs beautifully with the softer pastel tones of ‘La Belle Époque’, ‘Menton’, or ‘Silver Cloud’, where its deep hue grounds and balances the lighter colors. In containers, combine it with feathery grasses or pale muscari for a poetic contrast.

‘Sambuca’ is a tulip for those who appreciate sumptuous textures and timeless elegance. It closes the tulip season with a flourish—rich, layered, and unforgettable.

How to Plant & Grow Tulips

Quick Planting Guide

Planting time: Fall, after soil has cooled (September–November, depending on climate)
Soil: Well-draining, fertile, sandy or loamy
Depth & spacing: 6–8" deep, 4–6" apart
Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
Bloom: Mid–spring (varies by variety: early, mid, or late spring)

Step-by-Step Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the bulbs
Tulip bulbs are plump, teardrop-shaped, with a pointed tip.
Plant in fall once soil has cooled but before the ground freezes.

2. Choose the planting site
Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil — tulips dislike soggy ground.
They grow beautifully in borders, beds, containers, or naturalized in grassy areas.
Improve heavy soil with compost and sharp sand or grit.

3. Plant the bulbs
Plant bulbs 6–8" deep and 4–6" apart.
Pointed tip faces upward.
Water well after planting to settle soil.

4. Growing on & care

• Watering: Little water is needed over winter. In spring, keep soil lightly moist during active growth and bloom.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer at planting and again when shoots emerge in spring.

• Mulching: A light mulch layer protects bulbs from winter temperature swings.

5. Bloom time
Tulips bloom from early to late spring depending on the variety.
Flowers range from classic single cups to fringed, peony-flowered, or parrot styles, in nearly every color.

6. After flowering
Deadhead spent blooms to prevent seed formation.
Leave foliage intact until it yellows and withers — this allows the bulb to recharge.
In many climates, tulips perform best as annuals — replant fresh bulbs each fall for the strongest displays.
In well-drained soil, some perennialize and return for several years.

Tips for Success

• Plant in groups of 10+ for the best impact.

• Combine early, mid, and late-season varieties for weeks of continuous bloom.

• Tulips are excellent in containers — layer with other spring bulbs for a “bulb lasagna” effect.

• Protect from rodents by lining planting holes with chicken wire or using bulb cages.