Lilium 'Lady Bowes Lyon' — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium 'Lady Bowes Lyon' 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 'Lady Bowes Lyon' 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 'Lady Bowes Lyon' is a bulbous lily that sends up upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb, bearing narrow lance-shaped leaves arranged along the stem. It produces its flowers in the UK summer, from June to August. The foliage is deciduous, falling back after the season. Plant where the crown is shaded but the flowering stems get full sun, in deep humus-rich loam or a loam-based compost in pots.

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 'Lady Bowes Lyon' grows from a scaly bulb and carries narrow, lance-shaped leaves either scattered or in whorls up the stem, with unbranched stems that produce the summer display. Flowers appear from June to August. Give the bulb a position with full sun above while keeping the roots cool and shaded; a south-, west- or east-facing spot that is sheltered reduces wind damage to the tall stems. Use a deep, humus-rich loam in the ground or a loam-based compost for containers and ensure the soil remains moist but sharply drained, because bulbs will rot in stagnant wet. A neutral to acid soil suits the species generally, while some lily types (Madonna and trumpet lilies) are known to tolerate lime. Shelter from strong exposure and plant where the site is protected from drying winds. Lilium 'Lady Bowes Lyon' suits average to very hardy UK gardens (H4–H6), so it will survive normal winter conditions in most areas when planted at an appropriate depth. In pots, maintain sharp drainage and monitor moisture through the growing season. Position the bulbs so their roots stay cool and sharply drained to support flowering from June to August.

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 'Lady Bowes Lyon' 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 'Lady Bowes Lyon'

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 'Lady Bowes Lyon'?

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 'Lady Bowes Lyon'?

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

What soil does Lilium 'Lady Bowes Lyon' need?

Lilium 'Lady Bowes Lyon' 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 'Lady Bowes Lyon'?

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 'Lady Bowes Lyon' hardy in the UK?

Lilium 'Lady Bowes Lyon' 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 'Lady Bowes Lyon'?

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 →