Lilium centifolium — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium centifolium 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. Lilium centifolium 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.

About

Lilium centifolium is a bulbous lily in the family Liliaceae that produces upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, arranged either scattered or in whorls along the stem, and the plant flowers in summer (June to August). It favours a sunny position while keeping the roots shaded, planted in deep humus-rich loam or a loam-based compost if grown in a pot. Choose a sheltered south, west or east-facing spot and ensure the soil is moist but sharply drained to avoid bulb rot.

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, Lilium centifolium sits within the lily group that largely occupies temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere; it is a true lily grown from a scaly bulb and bears the upright, unbranched stems typical of the genus. Leaves are deciduous, narrow and lance-shaped, appearing either scattered or in whorls up the stem, with flowering taking place from June to August. Plant in full sun with the roots kept cool and shaded; where some species of Lilium prefer dappled light, Lilium centifolium will still appreciate a sheltered, sunny spot. Use deep humus-rich loam in the ground, or a loam-based compost for containers, and aim for neutral to acid soil. Keep soil moist but sharply drained—standing water will lead to bulb rot. Recommended aspects are south, west or east facing, and exposure should be sheltered. Hardiness is H4 to H6, which equates to average to very hardy for UK gardens. This lily suits a sheltered sunny border, a sunny bank under taller planting that will shade the bulb-run, or a large container where roots can be kept cool. Expect its flowering display in early to mid summer and avoid siting where winter wet will collect around the bulbs to preserve their scaly structure.

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 centifolium 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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium centifolium

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 centifolium?

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 centifolium?

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

What soil does Lilium centifolium need?

Lilium centifolium 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 centifolium?

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

Is Lilium centifolium hardy in the UK?

Lilium centifolium 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 centifolium?

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 →