Lilium Royal Kiss - Lily

Lilium 'Royal Kiss' is a large, dramatic and fascinating hybrid of Asian lilies. This beautiful plant has spectacular, very dark flowers which appear almost black in partial shade and when backlit. When sunlight hits them, the true dark red-purple colour of their delicately recurved petals is revealed. They bloom at the beginning of summer, on stems that proudly stand over 1 metre (3 feet) tall. A magnificent variety, ideal for large flower borders. Plant it in small groups, where you can admire its extraordinary colour even from a distance. It is a robust and easy-to-grow plant, excellent in flower beds or bouquets.

Lilium 'Royal Kiss' is a deciduous bulbous plant, with an imposing, narrow and very upright shape, which belongs to the lily family. This variety will reach a height of 105 cm (41in) when in bloom, getting stronger over the years, and the clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the bulbs producing bulblets through vegetative multiplication. The spectacular flowering takes place in June-July, earlier or later depending on the region. About ten flowers measuring 12-13 cm (5in) in diameter appear in umbels, well-displayed along sturdy stems. They have a very silky finish and an astonishing colour which is a mix of red, deep purple, black and plum highlights, with a red glow in the centre. When fully open, purple stamens with orange pollen-covered anthers can be seen. They are magnificent and slightly fragrant. The tall violet stems of this lily are covered with alternate, dark green, narrow and shiny leaves, which remain ornamental for a long time.

 
This plant likes rich humus, neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained and light soil that remains slightly moist in summer. You can grow it with perennial plants or low-density shrubs such as dwarf Japanese maples or deciduous azaleas, as it enjoys having its base slightly shaded. These will help prevent the stems from bending in the wind. 'Royal Kiss', planted en masse in the border of a flower bed, pairs well with white or soft pink-flowered lily varieties to create a superb contrast. It will be enhanced by the airy flowering of paniculate gypsophila, chamomiles, and phlox, but will also blend beautifully with white hydrangeas. Lilies are ideal in flower beds, and of course in bouquets.