Overview
Lilium candidum 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 1.0 m tall. Lilium candidum 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 ornamental garden plant and cut flower. It is native to S Europe and SW Asia.
About
Lilium candidum is a bulbous lily with upright, unbranched stems that reach about 1.0 m and carry strongly fragrant summer flowers. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, arranged either scattered or in whorls along the stem and are deciduous. It suits a sunny, sheltered spot where the roots can be kept cool and the soil moist but sharply drained. Flowers appear in June to August and are prized for cut-flower use.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium candidum
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 candidum is a bulb-forming member of the Liliaceae native to southern Europe and south‑west Asia. It produces upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb and grows to around 1.0 m. The flowering period runs from June to August when the plant bears strongly scented blooms that have long been used in garden and floral displays. Choose a south, west or east-facing site with full sun over the crown but cool roots; dappled light suits some lilies. Plant into deep humus-rich loam or a loam-based compost for containers, keeping the soil moist but sharply drained since bulbs will rot in stagnant wet. A neutral to acid soil is usual, although Madonna and trumpet lilies tolerate some lime. Shelter from cold drying winds helps protect the flower stems and scent. Hardiness is H4–H6, meaning it typically survives average to very hardy UK winters depending on site. Use it as a specimen in perennial borders, in a sunny bulb bed or for cutting — stems deliver a strong perfume for vases. Take care when handling bulbs: wear gloves and do not allow pets, especially cats, to eat any part of the plant; refer to the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further contact information.
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 candidum 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
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental garden plant, cut flower
- Native to
- S Europe, SW Asia
- 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 candidum
- 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 candidum?
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 candidum?
Lilium candidum prefers full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lilium candidum need?
Lilium candidum 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 candidum?
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 candidum grow?
Lilium candidum reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Lilium candidum hardy in the UK?
Lilium candidum 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 candidum?
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 candidum 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'
