Troubleshooting
Lilium 'Black Beauty' problems — and how to fix them
Lilium 'Black Beauty' (Lilium 'Black Beauty') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Scarlet lily beetle
Red beetles and larvae defoliate stems if unchecked. Patrol from spring and remove adults and larvae by hand or treat.
Wind rock on tall stems
At 1.5-2m the stems can sway and lean in exposed sites. Plant in a sheltered spot or provide a tall, discreet stake.
Botrytis (lily disease)
Brown-spotted foliage and bud rot in humid, crowded plantings. Space well, water at the base and remove infected leaves.
Slow establishment
Newly planted bulbs may flower modestly the first year, building up over time. Be patient and feed well; clumps improve markedly with age.
Prevent lilium 'black beauty' problems before they start
Most lilium 'black beauty' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for lilium 'black beauty' in general rather than its problems? Read the full lilium 'black beauty' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Lilium 'Black Beauty' problems — FAQ
Why is my lilium 'black beauty' scarlet lily beetle?
Red beetles and larvae defoliate stems if unchecked. Patrol from spring and remove adults and larvae by hand or treat.
Why is my lilium 'black beauty' wind rock on tall stems?
At 1.5-2m the stems can sway and lean in exposed sites. Plant in a sheltered spot or provide a tall, discreet stake.
Why is my lilium 'black beauty' botrytis (lily disease)?
Brown-spotted foliage and bud rot in humid, crowded plantings. Space well, water at the base and remove infected leaves.
Why is my lilium 'black beauty' slow establishment?
Newly planted bulbs may flower modestly the first year, building up over time. Be patient and feed well; clumps improve markedly with age.