The ‘Black Out Lily’ is a striking addition to any garden, captivating with its dramatic appearance. Its deep, rich coloration and elegant form make it a popular choice for adding sophistication and allure to outdoor spaces. This lily hybrid offers a unique visual appeal.
Understanding the Black Out Lily
The ‘Black Out Lily’ (Lilium ‘Black Out’) is an Asiatic Hybrid lily, recognized for its large, upward-facing blooms that measure between 4 to 6 inches wide. These flowers display a deep carmine-red hue, transitioning to an even darker, almost black, shading at the center of each petal, creating a velvety appearance. The plant typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet, supported by slender stems and lance-shaped, dark green leaves.
Blooming in early to mid-summer, this lily produces clusters of 4 to 5 blossoms per stem. Unlike many Oriental lilies, Asiatic hybrids like the ‘Black Out Lily’ generally have little to no fragrance. It multiplies year after year when established.
Planting Your Black Out Lilies
The optimal time to plant ‘Black Out Lily’ bulbs is in the fall or very early spring. Fall planting allows bulbs to develop roots before winter, while spring planting encourages bud germination. When selecting a site, choose a location that receives full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, for the most vigorous growth and intense bloom coloration. While they can tolerate partial sun, this may result in fewer flowers and less vibrant hues.
Well-drained, loose, and fertile soil is important for ‘Black Out Lilies’. They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, enhances soil quality and drainage, especially in heavier clay soils. Plant bulbs approximately 6 inches deep, pointed end upwards, and space them 8 to 12 inches apart or in groups of three for visual impact.
Essential Care for Thriving Blooms
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Black Out Lilies’, but they are sensitive to standing water. Water plants thoroughly when the topsoil feels dry, aiming for about an inch of water per week through deep watering. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keeps the root zone cool. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Lilies benefit from regular fertilization. In early spring, as new growth emerges, apply a balanced granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) to support plant health. As summer progresses and blooming begins, switch to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus to encourage flower production and support bulb development for the following year. Fertilize every two to three weeks with a liquid fertilizer or apply slow-release options once per year, following package instructions to avoid over-fertilization.
‘Black Out Lilies’ generally have sturdy stems, but taller plants or those in exposed, windy locations may benefit from staking to prevent breakage. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to put energy into bulb development rather than seed production, leading to more blooms. After flowering, once leaves and stems have turned yellow, cut them back, but avoid removing green foliage prematurely as it provides energy to the bulb.
Addressing Common Challenges
‘Black Out Lilies’ can encounter certain pests and diseases. Lily beetles are a notable pest, identified by their bright red bodies and black heads; their larvae, often covered in excrement, feed voraciously on leaves. Hand-picking adults and larvae can be an effective control for small infestations, and regularly inspecting plants is advisable. Aphids, small sap-sucking insects, can also affect lilies, and infestations can be managed by spraying plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fungal diseases like botrytis blight and basal rot pose threats to lily health. Botrytis blight, also known as ‘lily disease’, presents as oval brown spots on leaves that can spread rapidly, especially in wet conditions. To prevent its spread, avoid overhead watering, ensure good air circulation, and remove affected plant material promptly. Basal rot, caused by soil-borne fungi like Fusarium oxysporum, affects the bulb, leading to yellowing leaves and rotted tissues. Improving soil drainage, avoiding overwatering, and planting only healthy, disease-free bulbs are important preventative measures.
Environmental stressors can also impact ‘Black Out Lilies’. Yellowing leaves can indicate over or under-watering, nutrient deficiencies, or extreme temperatures. Ensuring consistent watering, proper fertilization, and suitable light exposure helps mitigate these issues. A lack of blooms might stem from insufficient light or nutrients, highlighting the need for optimal growing conditions.