Lilium Black Dragon (Trumpet Lily)

Incredibly showy, Lilium ‘Black Dragon’ (Trumpet Lily) is a majestic bulbous perennial with huge, glistening white trumpets, 6 in. long (15 cm), adorned with brilliant yellow throats and dark wine streaks on the outside. Blooming in mid-summer, this Lily is heavily fragrant and quite vigorous. One plant can produce up to 50 flowers. The blossoms are borne on a study dark red stem clad with dark green leaves.

Incredibly showy, Lilium 'Black Dragon' (Trumpet Lily) is a majestic bulbous perennial with huge, facing outward, glistening white trumpets, 6 in. long (15 cm), adorned with brilliant yellow throats and dark wine streaks on the outside. Blooming in mid-summer, this Lily is heavily fragrant and quite vigorous. One plant can produce up to 50 flowers. The blossoms are borne on a study dark red stem clad with dark green leaves. This dramatic trumpet lily is an excellent border plant, providing striking color and contrast to the perennial border, and mixes beautifully with annuals and other summer flowering bulbs. It is well suited to containers and the cutting garden as it makes excellent fresh-cut flowers. Introduced in 1950, Black Dragon is a strain derived from Lilium leucanthum var. centifolium.

  • Grows up to 48-72 in. tall (120-180 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in well-drained soils, enriched with leaf mold or well-rotted organic matter. Best in sun with some shade at the base of the plant.
  • A great choice for beds and borders, cottage gardens, and containers. Excellent fresh-cut flowers. Plant in groups of 3, 6, or 12 bulbs for a striking display.
  • Keep an eye out for lily beetle, aphids, slugs, vine weevil, and gray molds.
  • Toxic to cats (though not for dogs or any known species).
  • Deadhead the faded blooms. When flowering is over, cut back leaves and stems after they turn yellow.
  • Propagate by offsets after the foliage dies down.
  • Plant in fall or early spring in the garden. Potted plants may be planted at any time between spring and fall. Plant each bulb 6-8 in. deep (15-20 cm) and 12 in. apart (30 cm).
  • This Lily is a member of the Species and cultivars of species Division (IX) which includes all species and their subspecies, varieties and forms, and cultivars selected therefrom (excluding those derived from formosanum, longiflorum, philippinense and wallichianum). There are 9 different types of lilies classified by the Royal Horticultural Society. And they are all real eye-catchers!

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 8

Heat Zones 5
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Lilium – Lilies
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid)
Height 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 12″ (30cm)
Depth 6"
– 8"
(15cm
– 20cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage