Overview
Lilium hansonii 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 1.2 m tall. Lilium hansonii 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 Korea.
About
Lilium hansonii is a bulbous lily noted for its fragrant flowers. It sends up upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb, with narrow, lance-shaped leaves carried along the stem. Plants reach about 1.2 m and flower from June to August. Handle bulbs with gloves as they are ornamental only and toxic to pets if eaten.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium hansonii
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 hansonii is a bulb-forming member of the Liliaceae native to Korea, producing upright, unbranched stems topped by fragrant summer flowers; the leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, borne either scattered or in whorls along the stem. Mature plants typically reach about 1.2 m and flower in the UK from June to August. Give it full sun above ground while keeping the bulb and root zone cool and shaded. It prefers a deep, humus-rich loam in garden borders, or a loam-based compost when grown in containers; pH should be neutral to acid. Soil must be moist but sharply drained — persistent waterlogging causes bulbs to rot. Position the plants on a south, west or east-facing, sheltered aspect to reduce exposure and wind damage. In containers, ensure good drainage holes and use a free-draining compost. Lilium hansonii suits sheltered sunny borders and large containers on a bright aspect where its height can be accommodated. It tolerates average to very hardy UK conditions (H4–H6). Take care when handling and lifting the scaly bulbs — wear gloves and keep pets, especially cats, well away since bulbs are toxic if ingested.
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 hansonii 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
- 1.2 m
- Native to
- Korea
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Ornamental 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
Pruning and caring for Lilium hansonii
- 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 hansonii?
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 hansonii?
Lilium hansonii prefers full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lilium hansonii need?
Lilium hansonii 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 hansonii?
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 hansonii grow?
Lilium hansonii reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Lilium hansonii hardy in the UK?
Lilium hansonii 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 hansonii?
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.
Is Lilium hansonii toxic?
Ornamental 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.
More in the Lilium genus
- Lilium 'Barbara North' (Ic/d)
- Lilium 'Conception'
- Lilium 'Delicate Joy' (Ia/b)
- Lilium 'Easy Samba' (Ia/c)
- Lilium 'Gracia'
- Lilium 'Halloween' (Ia/-)
- Lilium 'Mount Duckling' (Ia-b/b)
- Lilium 'Parasol'
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