Lilium auratum (Golden-rayed lily) — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium auratum 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. It typically grows around 1.8 m tall. Lilium auratum 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. It is native to Japan.

About

Lilium auratum is a bulbous lily with upright, unbranched stems and a strong, sweet fragrance. It typically reaches about 1.8 m and bears narrow, lance-shaped leaves either scattered or in whorls along the stem. Flowering takes place from June to August, with the scented flowers held near the stem tops. Position the bulb so the crown is shaded while the flower heads receive full sun, in deep humus-rich loam or a loam-based potting mix, and avoid waterlogged soil.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium auratum

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

A native of Japan and a member of the Liliaceae, Lilium auratum grows from a scaly bulb into tall, upright stems that commonly reach around 1.8 m. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, arranged either scattered or in whorls up the stem, and the open flowers are strongly sweet-scented. Flowering is reliably in June to August. Give plants full sun above ground while keeping the bulbous crown cool and shaded; some plants tolerate dappled light. Soil should be a deep, humus-rich loam or loam-based compost in containers, neutral to acid in reaction; avoid stagnant wet conditions as bulbs will rot. The recommended aspect is south, west or east facing and the position should be sheltered from exposed winds. Hardiness is H4–H6 (average to very hardy), so protection from severe exposure helps in the coldest sites. Lilium auratum suits a sheltered sunny border or a large container where roots can be shaded and drainage is excellent. Expect tall stems topped by scented blooms in summer and take care to site it away from waterlogged hollows; the strong fragrance is most noticeable on warm mornings during the June-to-August flowering period.

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 auratum 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
Height: 1.8 m
Native to: Japan
Fragrance: Strong, sweet

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium auratum

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 auratum?

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 auratum?

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

What soil does Lilium auratum need?

Lilium auratum 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 auratum?

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

How big does Lilium auratum grow?

Lilium auratum reaches a height of 1.8 m.

Is Lilium auratum hardy in the UK?

Lilium auratum 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 auratum?

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 →