About
A vigorous bulbous perennial with narrow leaves and broad-petalled cream flowers in mid summer, each petal spotted with orange on a yellow zone near the base.
About the genus
Lilium are bulbous perennials with erect stems bearing whorled or spirally arranged leaves and terminal racemes or umbels of bowl-shaped, trumpet-shaped, funnel-shaped or turks cap shaped flowers, often fragrant, and white, yellow, orange or red
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
ToxicityOrnamental 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
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil enriched with leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter in full sun with the base of the plant in shade. In a container, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit and leaf mould. Water freely and apply a high potash liquid fertiliser every two weeks. Keep moist in winter
PruningIn autumn, once foliage has yellowed, cut back to ground level
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown, when ripe, in containers in a cold frame or separate offsets after the foliage dies down
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to lily beetle, aphids, slugs, snails, Thrips, leatherjackets, and wireworms, and to damage by rabbits and voles; plants in containers may be susceptible to vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and a virus; see lily diseases