Lilium 'George Soper' — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium 'George Soper' 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 'George Soper' 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. Suggested uses include garden borders, cut flowers and container planting.

About

Lilium 'George Soper' is a bulbous lily in the family Liliaceae with upright, unbranched stems arising from a scaly bulb. It bears narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are deciduous and may be arranged singly or in whorls along the stem. Flowering runs from June to August and the blooms are fragrant. Plant in full sun with the roots kept in shade and in sharply drained, humus-rich soil or a loam-based compost in containers.

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 'George Soper' is a garden cultivar of Lilium grown from a scaly bulb and carried on tall, upright unbranched stems. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, appearing either scattered or in whorls up the stem; the flowers appear June to August and are fragrant, making the stems useful for cutting. It belongs to the family Liliaceae and is treated as a bulbous perennial in borders and containers. Position the bulb where the crown gets full sun while the roots remain shaded; a south, west or east-facing, sheltered spot suits it best. Use a deep, humus-rich loam in the ground or a loam-based compost in pots. pH should be neutral to acid, and soil must be moist but sharply drained — bulbs will rot if left in stagnant wet. Rated H4–H6 (average to very hardy), it will tolerate ordinary UK winters given good drainage and a protected aspect. The straight, unbranched stems are favourable for mixed and herbaceous borders, for producing long-stemmed cut flowers, or for container planting on a sheltered patio. Because the blooms are scented, plant where the fragrance can be appreciated near paths, seating or windows.

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 'George Soper' 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
Suggested uses: Garden borders, cut flowers, container planting
Fragrance: Fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium 'George Soper'

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 'George Soper'?

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 'George Soper'?

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

What soil does Lilium 'George Soper' need?

Lilium 'George Soper' 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 'George Soper'?

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 'George Soper' hardy in the UK?

Lilium 'George Soper' 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 'George Soper'?

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 →