About
This bulbous perennial producing a strong, upright stem to 90cm in height, clothed in shiny, dark green, lance-shaped leaves. In mid to late summer these are topped with a cluster of large upward-facing, trumpet-shaped, dark purple flowers, turning darker and blackish towards the centre. These contrast with bright orange anthers.
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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeSand, Loam, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
ToxicityOrnamental 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
CultivationPlant bulbs in autumn, 15cm deep, in moist but well-drained soil enriched with leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter, in a sheltered position, with the base of the plant in shade, for example from ground-cover plants, and the rest of the plant in full sun; for more advice, see growing lilies in containers
PruningNo pruning required; tidy by deadheading spent flowers
PropagationPropagate by division: separate offsets after the leaves have died down
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to lily beetle, aphids, slugs, snails, thrips, leatherjackets, and wireworms, and to damage by rabbits and voles; plants in containers may be susceptible to vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and a virus. See lily diseases for further information