Overview
Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum 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 1.2 m tall. Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum 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 Europe.
About
Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum is a bulb producing upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb. It carries narrow, lance-shaped leaves scattered or in whorls up the stem and typically reaches about 1.2 m. Flowering occurs in the UK from June to August and the plant prefers full sun while keeping the roots shaded and the soil moist but sharply drained.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium bulbiferum
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 member of the Liliaceae native to Europe, Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum grows from a scaly underground bulb into a single upright stem with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. It is deciduous and commonly treated as a bulb for summer display, coming into flower in the UK between June and August. Choose a south-, west- or east-facing site that is sheltered; exposure should be protected from strong winds. Plant into deep, humus-rich loam in the border or use a loam-based compost for large containers, ensuring the soil is neutral to acid. The bulbs need moist conditions but must not sit in stagnant water — sharp drainage is essential because bulbs rot in prolonged wet. Provide full sun overhead while keeping the root zone cool or shaded. Hardiness is H4–H6 (average to very hardy), so the bulb will suit most UK gardens when given a sheltered position. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling the bulbs: they are ornamental only and not for eating, and they are toxic to pets if ingested. Expect upright stems to reach roughly 1.2 m before the June–August flowering window.
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 bulbiferum var. croceum 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
- 1.2 m
- Native to
- Europe
- 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 bulbiferum var. croceum
- 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 bulbiferum var. croceum?
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 bulbiferum var. croceum?
Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum prefers full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum need?
Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum 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 bulbiferum var. croceum?
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 bulbiferum var. croceum grow?
Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum hardy in the UK?
Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum 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 bulbiferum var. croceum?
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 bulbiferum var. croceum 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'
