Lilium davidii — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium davidii 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 davidii 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 Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tibet, Bhutan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan.

About

Lilium davidii is a bulbous lily with upright, unbranched stems arising from a scaly bulb, growing to about 1.0 m. The plant bears narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are deciduous and occur either scattered or in whorls along the stem. It flowers in June to August. Best grown where the crown enjoys shade while the shoots receive full sun, in moist but sharply drained soil.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium davidii

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 davidii is a true lily in the family Liliaceae, producing a single upright stem from a scaly bulb to roughly 1.0 m. It originates from regions across the eastern Himalaya and parts of China — Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tibet, Bhutan and several Chinese provinces — and carries the narrow, lance-shaped leaves typical of many Lilium species. Plant it where the shoots get full sun but the bulbs remain cool and shaded: a layer of mulch or a front-row planting of low perennials will help keep the roots shaded. Use deep, humus-rich loam in the ground or a loam-based compost in pots, and avoid heavy, waterlogged positions since bulbs will rot if the soil is stagnant; sharp drainage is essential. The species prefers neutral to acid soils (some related lilies tolerate lime), and benefits from a sheltered aspect on south, west or east-facing sites. In UK gardens Lilium davidii suits the rear of a herbaceous border or a sheltered mixed bed where its vertical stems can be supported and seen. Its hardiness spans H4 to H6, meaning it is suitable from average garden conditions through to very hardy areas; choose a protected spot in cooler or exposed locations. Expect the summer display to run from June to August, with the narrow leaves leaving the flowering stems clearly visible.

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 davidii 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
Native to: Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tibet, Bhutan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium davidii

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 davidii?

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 davidii?

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

What soil does Lilium davidii need?

Lilium davidii 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 davidii?

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 davidii grow?

Lilium davidii reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Lilium davidii hardy in the UK?

Lilium davidii 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 davidii?

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 →