Lilium ciliatum — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium ciliatum 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 ciliatum 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 Turkey.

About

Lilium ciliatum is a bulb that carries upright, unbranched stems arising from a scaly bulb. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, appearing either scattered or in whorls along the stem, and are deciduous. Flowers appear in the UK from June to August. The species is native to Turkey and belongs to the Liliaceae family.

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 ciliatum is a true lily from Turkey, a bulbous perennial in the family Liliaceae that produces upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb. In the UK it flowers from June to August. The foliage is deciduous, with narrow lance-shaped leaves set either singly or in whorls up the stem. Plant in a position that gives full sun over the crown while keeping the roots cool or shaded; some lilies will also tolerate dappled light. Use deep humus-rich loam in the open ground or a loam-based compost for containers. Soil should be neutral to acid — a note of caution that a few groups such as Madonna and trumpet lilies tolerate lime does not change the general preference. Maintain moist but sharply drained conditions, since bulbs will rot in stagnant wet. Give a sheltered, south-, west- or east-facing aspect to reduce exposure to driving winds. Hardiness is rated H4–H6 (average to very hardy), so Lilium ciliatum will survive most UK winters when placed in a protected spot with free drainage. It suits a sheltered herbaceous border or a large container where soil and exposure can be controlled. With its scaly bulb and upright stems bearing narrow leaves, it reliably produces its summer display between June and August.

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 ciliatum 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
Native to: Turkey

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium ciliatum

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 ciliatum?

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 ciliatum?

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

What soil does Lilium ciliatum need?

Lilium ciliatum 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 ciliatum?

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 ciliatum hardy in the UK?

Lilium ciliatum 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 ciliatum?

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 →