Landini Lily

Landini Lily is a dramatic, deep burgundy Asiatic lily that appears almost black in certain lighting. This early summer bloomer is prized for its bold color, easy maintenance, and striking visual impact in borders, containers, and mixed flower beds. It thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for prairie and temperate gardens.

Planting & Growing Conditions

• Hardiness Zone: 4-8 (cold-hardy but may need mulch protection in colder climates)
• Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, 12-18 inches wide
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Sunlight Needs:
  • Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in at least 6 hours of direct sun)
  • Prefers shaded roots with sun on the flowers (planting among low perennials can help)
• Soil Requirements:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil
  • Enriched with compost or organic matter for best growth
  • Avoid wet, heavy clay soils, which can cause bulb rot
• Spacing: 8-12 inches apart for optimal air circulation

Watering & Maintenance

• Young Plants (First Year):
  • Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots
• Established Plants:
  • Requires moderate watering—keep soil moist but not soggy
  • Reduce watering after blooming to allow bulbs to harden
• Mulching:
  • Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed at planting—mix compost or organic matter into the soil
• Mature Plants:
  • Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring
  • A second feeding after flowering strengthens the bulbs for next year’s bloom
  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage excessive leafy growth over flowers

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: After flowering (late summer to early fall)
• How to Prune:
  • Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation (redirects energy to the bulb)
  • Allow stems and leaves to naturally die back—this helps store energy in the bulb
  • Cut back dead foliage in fall to maintain garden tidiness

Flowers, Foliage & Seasonal Interest

• Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer (June-July)
• Flower Color:
  • Dark burgundy to almost black, satiny flowers
  • 6-8 inches wide, upward-facing blooms
• Fragrance: Mild to none (not as fragrant as Oriental lilies)
• Foliage:
  • Glossy green, lance-shaped leaves
  • Clump-forming habit, making it ideal for mass plantings

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Deer, drought, and most common pests

Common Pests:

• Lily Beetles – Red beetles that chew leaves
  • Solution: Handpick or use neem oil
• Aphids – Can cause leaf curling and transmit viruses
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap

Common Diseases:

• Botrytis Blight (Fungal Leaf Spot) – Causes brown spots on leaves
  • Solution: Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, apply fungicide if needed
• Bulb Rot – Caused by overly wet conditions
  • Solution: Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering

Winter Protection

• Cold-hardy in Zones 4-8, but mulch heavily in colder regions (Zones 3-4)
• Mulching:
  • Apply 2-4 inches of mulch in late fall to protect bulbs from freeze-thaw cycles
• Container-Grown Lilies:
  • Move pots to a sheltered area or unheated garage to prevent deep freezing

Landscape Uses

Perfect for dramatic borders, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial beds
Excellent as a cut flower—long vase life and unique dark tones
Thrives in containers for patios or decks
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established

Companion Planting Ideas for Landini Lily:

• White Asiatic Lilies – Creates a stunning contrast
• Salvia & Russian Sage – Adds a blue-purple complement to dark blooms
• Ornamental Grasses – Provides texture and movement
• Hostas & Ferns – Shade the roots while allowing blooms to shine
• Daylilies & Echinacea – Extends the color season in summer beds

Additional Notes:

• Lifespan: 5+ years with proper care
• Easiest propagation method: Division of bulbs every 3-4 years
• Highly recommended for beginner gardeners due to its resilience and adaptability

Photo courtesy of Campbell's Nursery