Lilium 'Joseph Fletcher' — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium 'Joseph Fletcher' 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 'Joseph Fletcher' 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 'Joseph Fletcher' is a bulbous lily producing upright, unbranched stems bearing narrow lance-shaped leaves and summer flowers. The foliage is deciduous and appears either scattered or in whorls up the stem. It flowers from June to August. The flowers perform best with the shoots in full sun while the bulb and roots remain shaded.

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 'Joseph Fletcher' belongs to the genus Lilium in the family Liliaceae and grows from a scaly bulb on upright, unbranched stems. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, set either along the stem or in whorls; flowering is in June to August. As a true lily it behaves as a seasonal, bulbous perennial rather than a woody plant. Give Lilium 'Joseph Fletcher' full sun for the flowering stems but ensure the bulb's root zone stays cool and shaded. Plant into deep, humus-rich loam in the border or use a loam-based compost in pots; aim for neutral to acid soil, noting that some lily types tolerate lime. Keep soil moist but sharply drained because bulbs will rot in stagnant wet. Position in a south-, west- or east-facing spot with some shelter from strong winds to protect the tall stems. The hardiness rating H4–H6 (average to very hardy) indicates this cultivar will survive typical UK winters provided it is not waterlogged and is placed out of prevailing exposure. It suits mixed summer borders and containers where the roots can be shaded by companion plants while the flowering stems reach the sun. Plant so the bulb sits beneath low-growing neighbours that shade the root zone while leaving the stems free to flower.

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 'Joseph Fletcher' 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 'Joseph Fletcher'

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 'Joseph Fletcher'?

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 'Joseph Fletcher'?

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

What soil does Lilium 'Joseph Fletcher' need?

Lilium 'Joseph Fletcher' 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 'Joseph Fletcher'?

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 'Joseph Fletcher' hardy in the UK?

Lilium 'Joseph Fletcher' 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 'Joseph Fletcher'?

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 →