Name: ‘Blacklist’ Asiatic Lily
Brand: Van Noort
SKU: VAN-335-110-20
Price: 7.49 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Sale Sold out

Group of ‘Blacklist’ Asiatic lilies showing large upward-facing deep crimson-burgundy flowers that appear nearly black, with a satin-like finish and showy orange stamens

Ornamental bulbs Liliaceae

Ornamental bulbs

Van Noort

Lilium

From bulb to bloom

Common name‘Blacklist’ Asiatic lily

FamilyLiliaceae

GenusLilium

CultivarBlacklist

Bulb typeOrnamental bulbs

Botanical nameLilium

Quantity per pack3 bulbs

‘Blacklist’ Asiatic Lily (Lilium ‘Blacklist’) produces large deep crimson-burgundy flowers so dark that they appear nearly black. Their satin-like finish catches light subtly, while showy orange stamens create vivid central contrast. This Asiatic lily forms upright stems approximately 100 cm tall and 30 cm wide. The Van Noort package contains three bulbs, ideal for creating a coherent dark group. Upward-facing blooms remain highly visible in a border and also suit arrangements. Narrow green foliage emphasizes the depth of colour without making the silhouette feel heavy. The unusual palette pairs especially well with white, silver, lime green, pale pink, or golden companion plants.

Plant the three bulbs in spring with their points upward, approximately 15 cm deep and 30 cm apart. Choose full sun or bright partial shade in fertile, humus-rich, moist, very well-drained soil. Water deeply after planting, then maintain even moisture without allowing water to stand. Thin mulch helps keep the base cool. The 100 cm stems may benefit from discreet support in a windy position. Van Noort confirms black colouring, 100 cm height, 30 cm spread, and upright habit; specialized suppliers commonly recommend ‘Blacklist’ for Zones 3 to 9. Mark every planting position so dormant bulbs remain protected during seasonal garden work.

In spring, monitor for slugs and inspect both sides of the foliage for scarlet lily beetles, eggs, and larvae. Remove them by hand whenever practical. After flowering, cut only faded blooms and developing pods. Retain every green stem and leaf so they can replenish the bulbs, then cut them to ground level after natural yellowing. Asiatic lilies generally have no noticeable fragrance. For an arrangement, harvest one stem when its first bud opens and leave as much foliage as possible on the plant. Every part of a true lily, including bulbs, pollen, and vase water, is extremely dangerous to cats. Keep plants and arrangements completely inaccessible and contact a veterinarian immediately after possible exposure.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Bulbous perennial
Hardiness: Zones 4 to 8

Planting and establishment

Planting guide

Planting & establishment

Spacing / density

space plants or bulbs 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.).

Planting period

In spring, after the risk of frost has passed

Propagation

Separation of offsets during dormancy; commercial propagation is protected

Growing method

Unpack the three bulbs upon arrival and promptly plant those that are firm and healthy. Choose a position in sun or bright partial shade. Loosen soil to 25 cm and blend in mature compost without creating a moisture-holding layer beneath the bulbs. Set every point upward 15 cm deep, with 30 cm between centres. Arrange them in a triangle or gentle curve for a natural display. Firm gently and water deeply. Keep soil moist during rooting without saturating it. Mark every position. Protect shoots from slugs and inspect leaves regularly for scarlet lily beetles, eggs, and larvae. Remove them by hand whenever practical. After flowering, cut faded blooms and pods but retain every green stem and leaf. Reduce watering as foliage yellows, then cut stems when fully dry. Add light mulch after the ground freezes in exposed locations without trapping moisture. Wear gloves and keep bulbs, pollen, flowers, and debris away from cats. The following spring, wait until all three shoots are visible before cultivating nearby or adding companion plants. During dry periods of active growth, check moisture beneath the surface and water deeply instead of following a fixed calendar. Remove only diseased tissue with a clean tool. Keep the tall clump open enough for air to circulate, especially after prolonged rain, and avoid damaging the bulbs while planting nearby annuals.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

pH 6.0 to 7.5

Moisture

Evenly moist but drained soil during growth, drier in dormancy

Care level

Easy

Watering

Water deeply after planting, then maintain even moisture during rooting, growth, and bud formation. Allow the surface to dry slightly between applications and irrigate at soil level in the morning. Containers need more frequent checks, but always empty their saucers. Reduce water as foliage yellows and avoid saturation during winter dormancy. Deep watering encourages stronger roots than frequent superficial sprinkling and helps all three bulbs establish evenly.

Soil type

Fertile, humus-rich, moist, and very well-drained soil is best. Asiatic lilies tolerate several textures when water drains promptly. Loosen the ground deeply and add mature compost. In clay soil, use a raised bed or improve the complete planting volume. Avoid small pockets of potting mix surrounded by clay because they may hold water around bulbs. A slightly acidic to neutral reaction supports healthy roots, but dependable drainage matters more than exact soil texture.

Fertilization

Blend mature compost into the soil before planting. In spring, apply balanced or bulb fertilizer according to its label as shoots emerge, then again at early bud formation when soil is poor. Avoid excessive nitrogen and keep granules away from bulbs. Stop feeding after flowering and allow foliage to rebuild reserves. Water after every fertilizer application so nutrients move into the root zone without concentrating against tender tissue.

Seasonal care

In early spring, gradually remove excess mulch and locate all three new shoots before working the border. Protect them from slugs and add a thin compost layer without deeply burying the bulb area. During growth, water at ground level when the surface begins drying. Inspect both sides of leaves several times weekly for red lily beetles, orange eggs, and larvae. Remove them by hand and check neighbouring lilies as well. Tall stems may need discreet support in windy positions, but an exposed container can be moved to a calmer position before flowers open. Remove faded blooms and developing pods, then retain every green stem. After complete yellowing, cut at ground level and remove diseased tissue. In fall, verify that water does not collect. Add light mulch after the ground freezes in exposed locations. Divide the group only when offsets become crowded or flowering declines. Label the position and keep every discarded part beyond the reach of cats. The following spring, compare shoot vigour before deciding whether fertilizer or division is needed. While buds develop, monitor dry heat and water deeply when soil dries beneath the surface. After heavy rain, verify container drainage and remove collected water from saucers. If spotting or decline appears, remove only affected tissue with a clean tool and keep it out of compost. The following spring, observe the vigour of all three shoots before adding fertilizer. Wait through the normal emergence period before deciding that a missing bulb needs replacement. Maintain open airflow around the tall group and avoid covering shoots with late mulch or neighbouring foliage.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

container at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in.) deep, with drainage

Use a container of at least 20 to 25 L and 30 cm depth with several drainage holes. Fill it with fertile, airy potting mix enriched with compost. Arrange the three bulbs in a triangle, points upward, approximately 15 cm deep, preserving as much space between them as possible. Position the pot in sun or bright partial shade. Water deeply, empty the saucer, and repeat when the surface begins drying. Feed lightly at emergence and early bud formation. Tall stems generally need no support. Remove faded flowers but retain every leaf until yellowing. In cold regions, move the dormant container to an unheated position where it remains cold without extreme freeze-thaw cycles. Keep the mix barely moist. In spring, renew the upper layer, check drainage, and return the pot outdoors gradually. Repot when offsets become crowded. Always keep the container completely beyond the reach of cats. Rotate it gradually so all three stems receive balanced light and flower evenly. Raise the container slightly so drainage holes remain open and protect it from excessive winter rain. Label the cultivar throughout dormancy. When offsets become numerous, separate only firm material during repotting and return it to the same depth. Inspect the pot before new shoots emerge so talled mix can be renewed without breaking tender growth. Keep neighbouring containers far enough away for airflow and pest checks.

Growth and flowering

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

About 100 cm (39 in.)

Width / spread

10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in.)

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Deciduous foliage that becomes dormant after flowering

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Upright, slender, and tall

Fragrance

Subtle fragrance

Bloom period

Early- to midsummer flowering once the bulbs are established. ‘Blacklist’ carries large open upward-facing flowers in deep crimson burgundy so dark that they appear nearly black, with a satin-like finish and showy orange stamens. Stems reach approximately 100 cm. Exact timing varies with climate, planting date, and bulb establishment. A new planting may produce fewer flowers in its first season. Remove only faded blooms and retain every green leaf until natural yellowing. Support stems before buds become heavy when the planting is exposed to strong wind or intense summer storms.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Combine ‘Blacklist’ with hardy geraniums, catmint, heucheras, bellflowers, yarrow, small sedums, and tall grasses. These plants appreciate sun or partial shade and drained soil while leaving the pink multicolounear-black burgundy flowers visible. White, pink, violet-blue, or silver tones create balanced contrast. Keep an open circle around new shoots for monitoring slugs and scarlet lily beetles. Avoid aggressively dividing neighbours near dormant bulbs. Low spring bulbs can share the area when their positions leave enough room for the lilies’ deeper roots. Low ornamental alliums also provide a contrasting rounded form in early summer.

Garden use

Place the three bulbs near the front of a border in a triangle or gentle curve, with 30 cm between centres. Surround them with low perennials such as hardy geraniums, catmint, heucheras, and bellflowers that cool the base without hiding flowers. White or pink yarrow and tall grasses soften the luminous pink. In a rock garden, choose a deep pocket of enriched soil instead of thin, dry ground. In a container, position the group near a patio where upward-facing flowers are easy to enjoy, but only beyond the reach of cats. Cut several stems for a short bouquet in a cat-free household and leave the others in the display. After bloom, remove faded flowers while retaining green leaves. Thin mulch steadies moisture. Keep every location labelled during dormancy. For a fuller effect, repeat packages in spaced groups instead of a crowded row. Maintain an open area around shoots so slugs and scarlet lily beetles remain easy to detect. Their tall height makes repeated colour blocks possible without obscuring paths or lower views. Water at the base to keep flowers clean and reduce splashing on foliage. After heavy rain, verify that water drains promptly around every group. When offsets thicken the clump, divide it during dormancy and return firm sections to their original depth. Allow the pink multicolounear-black burgundy flowers to repeat at measured intervals so the border remains cohesive without appearing crowded or rigid.

Frequently asked questions

How should the three Blacklist lily bulbs be planted?

Plant the bulbs in spring when soil is workable. Choose sun or bright partial shade and fertile, humus-rich, moist, very well-drained soil. Set every point upward 15 cm deep, with 30 cm between centres. Arrange the three bulbs in a triangle or curve, water deeply, and mark every location. Maintain even moisture during rooting without allowing water to stand. Thin mulch can keep the base cool but must not trap water. Keep new shoots visible for monitoring slugs and scarlet lily beetles. Avoid placing concentrated fertilizer directly against the bulb scales during planting. Wait until shoots are visible before adding annuals between the marked locations.

Can Blacklist lily grow in a container?

Yes, in a substantial, heavy, deep, very well-drained container. Choose a pot holding at least 40 to 50 litres and measuring 35 cm deep, with several drainage holes. Plant the three bulbs approximately 15 cm deep while leaving enough room for their stems. Position the pot in sun or bright partial shade. Water deeply, always empty the saucer, and feed lightly at emergence and early bud formation. The 100 cm stems may need support secured to the container. Retain all foliage until it yellows. In winter, protect the pot from extreme freeze-thaw cycles while keeping the mix barely moist. Keep the complete container and fallen pollen inaccessible to cats.

Is Blacklist lily hardy in colder Canadian regions?

Van Noort lists ‘Blacklist’ as Zone 3 and suitable for Zones 3 to 9. The bulbs can therefore overwinter in the ground across many cold Canadian regions regions when drainage is excellent. Avoid hollows where water collects during thaws. Wait until the ground freezes before adding light mulch in exposed locations, then remove it gradually in spring. In a container, roots are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations; move the dormant pot to a cold, unheated position that limits extreme freeze-thaw cycles. Keep the mix barely moist and label the container throughout dormancy. Mark every position before winter so dormant bulbs are not damaged during spring garden work.

How can scarlet lily beetles be controlled?

Inspect emerging shoots and both sides of leaves several times weekly beginning in spring. Adult scarlet lily beetles are bright red; orange eggs occur beneath leaves, and larvae cover themselves with dark debris. Remove adults, eggs, and larvae by hand, then place them in a closed container. Check neighbouring lilies because the insect moves readily between plants. Avoid insecticides on open flowers to protect pollinators. Early detection preserves the foliage bulbs need to rebuild reserves. Keep the ground beneath tall stems visible enough to notice dropped adults and damaged leaves. Clean the tool afterwards and wash your hands before handling other plants. Continue checks after flowering while foliage remains active and important to the bulbs.

Why is Blacklist dangerous to cats?

‘Blacklist’ belongs to the genus Lilium, every part of which is extremely dangerous to cats. Leaves, flowers, stems, bulbs, and even small amounts of pollen can cause severe kidney injury; water from a vase containing lilies is also hazardous. Keep plants completely beyond reach and do not rely on a high shelf because pollen may fall. In a household with a cat, leave flowers in an inaccessible outdoor area and never bring a bouquet inside. If exposure is possible, contact a veterinarian immediately even when no symptoms are visible. Prompt treatment is essential, so do not wait for illness to develop.