Overview
Lilium auratum var. platyphyllum 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 var. platyphyllum 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 var. platyphyllum is a tall bulbous lily producing upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb and notable for its strongly scented flowers. Plants reach about 1.8 m and carry narrow lance-shaped leaves arranged either scattered or in whorls up the stem. It flowers in the UK from June to August. Position is important: give the stem tops sun while keeping the bulb cool and shaded.
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 true lily native to Japan, Lilium auratum var. platyphyllum arises from a scaly bulb and bears upright, unbranched stems topped with strongly scented flowers; the foliage is deciduous and the leaves are narrow and lance-shaped. Height is typically around 1.8 m. The flowers are produced in summer, with a UK flowering period of June to August. Plant in deep, humus-rich loam or a loam-based compost if growing in a container. Aim for neutral to acid soil where possible and avoid heavy, stagnant wet because bulbs will rot; the soil should remain moist but sharply drained. Give the plant full sun above ground while keeping the roots shaded or cool — a sheltered, south-, west- or east-facing spot is ideal. Hardiness H4–H6 (average to very hardy) means it will survive much of the UK outdoors when sited away from exposed winter winds. At roughly 1.8 m tall it suits the back of a sheltered herbaceous border or a tall mixed container, where the height can be supported and the base kept cool. Handle bulbs with care: wear gloves and other protective equipment, and make sure they are kept well away from cats, as ingestion is toxic.
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 var. platyphyllum 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
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten (cats) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lilium auratum var. platyphyllum
- 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 var. platyphyllum?
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 var. platyphyllum?
Lilium auratum var. platyphyllum prefers full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lilium auratum var. platyphyllum need?
Lilium auratum var. platyphyllum 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 var. platyphyllum?
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 var. platyphyllum grow?
Lilium auratum var. platyphyllum reaches a height of 1.8 m.
Is Lilium auratum var. platyphyllum hardy in the UK?
Lilium auratum var. platyphyllum 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 var. platyphyllum?
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.
Is Lilium auratum var. platyphyllum toxic?
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten (cats) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.
More in the Lilium genus
- Lilium 'Barbara North' (Ic/d)
- Lilium 'Conception'
- Lilium 'Delicate Joy' (Ia/b)
- Lilium 'Easy Samba' (Ia/c)
- Lilium 'Gracia'
- Lilium 'Halloween' (Ia/-)
- Lilium 'Mount Duckling' (Ia-b/b)
- Lilium 'Parasol'
