Lily

Lilium Black Beauty

Stunning sprays of scented, turkscap, blackish-red flowers with green centres and white margins appear in midsummer. The flowers make a fabulous display at the back of the border, or grouped in a container. This great summer-flowering bulb is universally loved because of its showy flowers that light up the garden, but like all lilies, is susceptible to lily beetle. 

• Position: full sun
• Soil: well-drained soil enriched with leafmould or a loam-based potting compost, such as John Innes no2
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July
• Hardiness: fully hardy

The RSPCA has recently reported that all parts of lilies can be fatal to cats, including the flower, leaves and pollen. For more information, click here.

Garden care: Bulbs are best planted in autumn but can also be planted in spring. Plant them 2-3 times their own depth and the equivalent spacing between bulbs.