Lilium 'Eric Mayell' — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium 'Eric Mayell' 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 'Eric Mayell' 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 'Eric Mayell' is a bulbous lily producing upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb, with narrow lance-shaped leaves arranged either scattered or in whorls along the stem. It flowers in the UK from June to August. The foliage is deciduous and dies back after the season. Give it full sun above while keeping the bulb roots shaded and sharply drained soil.

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 'Eric Mayell' emerges from a scaly bulb to form straight, unbranched stems bearing narrow, lance-shaped leaves that may be set singly or in whorls up the stem. Flowering falls between June and August. The plant belongs to the lily family and is grown as a summer-flowering bulb in temperate gardens. For best results site Lilium 'Eric Mayell' in full sun with its roots kept cool or shaded; some lilies do well with a degree of dappled light at soil level. Use a deep humus-rich loam in borders or a loam-based compost when growing in a suitably sized container. Aim for neutral to acid soil where possible and avoid waterlogging: bulbs will rot in stagnant wet. Place in a sheltered aspect facing south, west or east to reduce wind damage. The recommended hardiness band H4–H6 means it will tolerate average to very hardy conditions across much of the UK, but sheltered planting improves reliability. Position this lily where upright stems are welcome—large pots or the middle to rear of a flower border where the vertical habit can be shown off. Remember the foliage is deciduous and will die back after flowering, so note the bulb's position before planting later-season companions. Expect the unbranched stems to carry the display through the June to August flowering period.

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 'Eric Mayell' 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 'Eric Mayell'

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 'Eric Mayell'?

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 'Eric Mayell'?

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

What soil does Lilium 'Eric Mayell' need?

Lilium 'Eric Mayell' 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 'Eric Mayell'?

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 'Eric Mayell' hardy in the UK?

Lilium 'Eric Mayell' 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 'Eric Mayell'?

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 →