Lilium duchartrei (marble lily) — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium duchartrei 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 duchartrei 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 eastern Himalayas and central China.

About

Lilium duchartrei is a bulbous lily with upright, unbranched stems arising from a scaly bulb and narrow, lance-shaped leaves carried either scattered or in whorls up the stem. Native to the eastern Himalayas and central China, it flowers in the UK from June to August. It prefers a sunny shoot position while its roots remain cool and shaded, and favours deep, humus-rich loam or a loam-based compost in containers. Rated H4–H6 for UK hardiness, it suits sheltered sites and will not tolerate stagnant wet soil.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium duchartrei

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 duchartrei is a bulbous member of the Liliaceae from the eastern Himalayas and central China. Plants produce unbranched stems from a scaly bulb and bear narrow lance-shaped leaves along the stem; flowering occurs between June and August. In cultivation give a site where the aerial parts receive full sun but the bulb and roots stay cool and shaded, for example beneath the light shade of taller perennials or a protective mulch. Use a deep, humus-rich loam in the border or a loam-based compost for container culture to supply steady moisture without waterlogging; bulbs will rot in stagnant wet conditions. A neutral to slightly acid soil pH is preferred. Position in a south, west or east-facing aspect with shelter from prevailing winds to protect the tall, single stems. Hardiness is H4–H6 (average to very hardy), so plants will survive most UK winters provided drainage is sharp and the site is sheltered. Lilium duchartrei suits mixed herbaceous borders and large pots where root shade can be maintained; flowers are carried above the narrow leaves on the unbranched stems from June to 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 duchartrei 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: eastern Himalayas, central China

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium duchartrei

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 duchartrei?

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 duchartrei?

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

What soil does Lilium duchartrei need?

Lilium duchartrei 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 duchartrei?

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 duchartrei hardy in the UK?

Lilium duchartrei 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 duchartrei?

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 →