Lilium × hollandicum (western orange-cup lily) — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium × hollandicum 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 × hollandicum 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 borders, cut flowers and garden beds.

About

Lilium × hollandicum is a bulbous member of the Liliaceae that produces upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves appear scattered or in whorls up the stem and are deciduous. The common name reflects the orange, cup-like flowers it bears. Flowering occurs June to August.

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 × hollandicum arises from a scaly underground bulb to produce a single upright stem with narrow lance-shaped leaves and orange, cup-shaped flowers. The foliage is deciduous and the bulb remains the perennial organ, producing the flowering stem each season. Choose a site with full sun over the crown but where the bulb's roots remain cool and shaded; south, west or east-facing aspects in a sheltered position are best. Plant into deep, humus-rich loam outdoors or a loam-based compost in pots. Aim for neutral to acid soil and keep the soil moist but sharply drained, as bulbs will rot in stagnant wet. Hardiness is H4–H6 (average to very hardy), so these lilies will endure ordinary UK winter conditions in most gardens. They make strong architectural spikes for borders, garden beds and as cut flowers, the unbranched stems giving clean lengths for vases. The scaly bulb reliably sends up the single flowering stem each year, carrying the June–August blooms.

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 × hollandicum 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: Borders, cut flowers, garden beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium × hollandicum

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 × hollandicum?

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 × hollandicum?

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

What soil does Lilium × hollandicum need?

Lilium × hollandicum 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 × hollandicum?

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 × hollandicum hardy in the UK?

Lilium × hollandicum 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 × hollandicum?

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 →