Lilium Black Beauty

The 'Black Beauty' hybrid lily is a lily that everyone should have in their garden. Its flared, strongly reflexed petals are a deep wine red or dark pink finely edged with white, with a prominent stamen in the centre. It is a superlative, indestructible and flourishing garden plant, succeeding in all climates and always producing more cascades of flowers over the years.

The genus Lilium belongs to the Liliaceae family. 'Black Beauty' is an exceptional hybrid, obtained by cross-breeding L. henryi and L. speciosum. In 50 years of existence, it has become the basis for many other hybrids. It can easily reach 150 cm (59in) high, with a width of 45 cm (18in), when grown under optimal conditions. The vigour of this hybrid is such that it is practically indestructible. It will flower in August, on stems with 30 to 40 buds each on a mature plant. The flowers measure 8 cm (3in) in diameter and are only slightly fragrant in the evening. The stems are thick and sturdy, so will not need staking. This lily quickly produces numerous bulbs.

This lily prefers humus-rich soil and does not like excessively chalky and poorly drained soils. You can grow Lilium 'Black Beauty' with perennial plants as it enjoys having its feet in the shade, and the perennials will help prevent the stems from bending in the wind. Lilies are ideal for borders, large pots, and of course, bouquets.