About
A terrestrial orchid from Tibet and southwest China with paired, broadly ovate, soft leaves and a solitary flower to 7cm across with purplish tepals and a large, inflated, purplish-brown pouch (labellum), borne on a short stem in summer. A spectacular and challenging species for a cool glasshouse or sheltered alpine house in well-drained, humus-rich soil.
About the genus
Lilium are bulbous perennials with erect stems bearing whorled or spirally arranged leaves and terminal racemes or umbels of bowl-shaped, trumpet-shaped, funnel-shaped or turks cap shaped flowers, often fragrant, and white, yellow, orange or red
Plant details
Suggested usesBorders, containers, cut flowers. Stunning focal points
Care notes
CultivationPlant bulbs in autumn in well-drained, humus-rich soil. Most prefer sun with cool roots
PruningDeadhead after flowering but leave stems to feed bulb. Cut back in autumn
PropagationScale propagation, bulbils, or division of established clumps
Pest resistanceLily beetle is the main pest � check regularly and remove
Disease resistanceBotrytis and virus diseases. Ensure good drainage and air circulation