Lilium asiatic ‘Blacklist’

We’ve been waiting for a lily this dark for years. Lilium ‘Blacklist’ is a truly dramatic Asiatic lily, with velvety petals of a deep, brooding burgundy that looks almost black in some lights. The flowers face upwards on sturdy stems, revealing contrasting bright orange stamens at the centre. It’s a real talking point on our nursery ground when it comes into flower.

This lily typically grows to around 0.9 to 1.0 metres tall, with a narrow, upright habit. It thrives in a spot with full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Like most lilies, it doesn’t appreciate waterlogged conditions, especially over winter. The leaves are a glossy, lance-shaped green, clothing the strong stems.

For the best results, allow the foliage to die back naturally in autumn after the flowers have faded. This helps the plant to store energy in the bulb for next year’s display. ‘Blacklist’ is perfect for adding a bold splash of dark colour to the middle of a border or for creating a striking feature in a large pot.