Lilium henryi (Henry's lily) — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium henryi 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 1.8 m tall. Lilium henryi 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 China.

About

Lilium henryi is a bulbous lily with upright, unbranched stems bearing narrow, lance-shaped leaves and distinctive orange, black-spotted, recurved flowers that are unscented. It reaches about 1.8 m and dies back to the scaly bulb after the season. Flowering occurs June to August. Handle bulbs with gloves and avoid ingestion by pets, especially cats.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium henryi

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 henryi is a bulbous species native to China, producing tall, single stems from a scaly bulb and narrow leaves set either scattered or in whorls. The flowers are orange with black spots and petals that curl back, and they are unscented; flowering runs from June to August. Mature plants reach around 1.8 m. Grow Henry's lily in a sunny site while keeping the bulb roots cool and shaded; it also tolerates dappled light. Plant in deep, humus-rich loam or use a loam-based compost when growing in a large pot. Aim for neutral to slightly acid soil and ensure moisture is consistent but the soil drains sharply, since bulbs will rot in stagnant wet. Place where exposure is sheltered and choose a south-, west- or east-facing aspect for best flower display. In UK terms it sits in the H4–H6 range (average to very hardy), so it will survive most garden winters where ground freezes only briefly. Use Henry's lily as a tall architectural element at the back of a herbaceous border or in large mixed containers, where its 1.8 m stems can be shown off. Take care handling the bulbs and keep plants away from areas frequented by cats, as ingestion can be toxic.

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 henryi 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: 1.8 m
Native to: China
Fragrance: Unscented
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 henryi

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 henryi?

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 henryi?

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

What soil does Lilium henryi need?

Lilium henryi 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 henryi?

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 henryi grow?

Lilium henryi reaches a height of 1.8 m.

Is Lilium henryi hardy in the UK?

Lilium henryi 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 henryi?

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 henryi 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

Browse all Lilium →