Lilium 'Afterglow' (Lily) — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium 'Afterglow' is a upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb bulb in the genus Lilium, part of the Liliaceae family, with deciduous; narrow lance-shaped leaves, scattered or in whorls up the stem foliage. Lilium 'Afterglow' grows best in full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light, and tolerates deep humus-rich loam and or loam-based compost in pots soils and neutral to acid and though madonna and trumpet lilies tolerate lime pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H6. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and containers.

About

Lilium 'Afterglow' is a bulbous lily producing upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb and bearing showy, mildly fragrant flowers. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, arranged either scattered or in whorls along the stem. It dies back after the season, with the bulb remaining dormant until the next growth cycle. Flowering occurs from June to August.

About the genus

Lilium is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants growing from bulbs, all with large and often prominent flowers. Lilies are a group of flowering plants which are important in culture and literature in much of the world. Most species are native to the Northern Hemisphere and their range is temperate climates and extends into the subtropics.

Wikipedia contributors, "Lilium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium

In the garden

Lilium 'Afterglow' is a bulbous member of the Liliaceae grown for its erect stems topped by prominent, mildly fragrant blooms. The plant emerges from a scaly bulb and carries narrow, lance-shaped leaves either scattered or in whorls up the stem; foliage is deciduous and the above-ground parts die back after flowering. Plant Lilium 'Afterglow' where the crowns get full sun but the bulb remains cool and shaded; in pots use a loam-based compost and in the ground choose a deep, humus-rich loam. Soil should be neutral to slightly acid where possible; some lily types tolerate lime, but Lilium 'Afterglow' prefers neutral–acid conditions. Keep soil moist yet sharply drained, avoiding any site where water stands, and place in a south-, west- or east-facing spot with some shelter from strong winds. It is suited to average to very hardy UK gardens (H4–H6). Use Lilium 'Afterglow' in mixed borders where tall, upright stems can rise above lower perennials, in containers with deep compost, or grown specifically for cutting; the stems make good summer flowers for vases. Flowers appear from June to August and will add scent to summer displays while the bulb remains a reusable perennial for subsequent seasons.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lilium

Sunlight: Full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light
Soil type: Deep humus-rich loam, or loam-based compost in pots
Soil pH: Neutral to acid, though Madonna and trumpet lilies tolerate lime
Soil moisture: Moist but sharply drained - bulbs rot in stagnant wet
Aspect: South, west or east facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4-H6

Plant details

Lilium 'Afterglow' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Bulb
Habit: Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb
Foliage: Deciduous; narrow lance-shaped leaves, scattered or in whorls up the stem
Suggested uses: Borders, cut flowers, containers
Fragrance: Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium 'Afterglow'

Cultivation: Plant bulbs deeply, at roughly three times their own depth, on a layer of grit so water drains away from the scales; the exception is Lilium candidum, which sits just below the surface. Feed while in growth and let the stem die down naturally afterwards so the bulb can rebuild. Container growing gives the sharp drainage most lilies want and makes lily beetle far easier to police.
Pruning: Remove faded flowers to stop seed forming, but leave the stem and foliage until it has yellowed completely, then cut to the base.
Propagation: Detach offset bulbs or individual scales when dormant and grow them on in a cold frame. Species can be raised from seed, though flowering may take three to five years.
Pest resistance: Scarlet lily beetle is the serious pest and will strip a plant if unchecked - adults and larvae both need removing on sight. Slugs damage emerging shoots.
Disease resistance: Botrytis marks the foliage in wet summers. Virus, spread by aphids, causes streaked and distorted growth and cannot be cured.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Lilium 'Afterglow'?

Plant bulbs deeply, at roughly three times their own depth, on a layer of grit so water drains away from the scales; the exception is Lilium candidum, which sits just below the surface. Feed while in growth and let the stem die down naturally afterwards so the bulb can rebuild. Container growing gives the sharp drainage most lilies want and makes lily beetle far easier to police.

Where is the best place to plant Lilium 'Afterglow'?

Lilium 'Afterglow' prefers full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Lilium 'Afterglow' need?

Lilium 'Afterglow' grows best in deep humus-rich loam and or loam-based compost in pots soil. It prefers neutral to acid and though madonna and trumpet lilies tolerate lime soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but sharply drained - bulbs rot in stagnant wet.

How do I prune Lilium 'Afterglow'?

Remove faded flowers to stop seed forming, but leave the stem and foliage until it has yellowed completely, then cut to the base.

Is Lilium 'Afterglow' hardy in the UK?

Lilium 'Afterglow' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Lilium 'Afterglow'?

Detach offset bulbs or individual scales when dormant and grow them on in a cold frame. Species can be raised from seed, though flowering may take three to five years.

More in the Lilium genus

Browse all Lilium →