About
This bulbous perennial with narrow, glossy dark green leaves and pure white, trumpet-shaped sweetly scented flowers up to 17cm long in summer.
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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toJapan to Philippines
FragranceFlower
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 containers or under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost (JI No.2) with added grit and leaf mould in full light with shade from hot sun
PruningCut down flower stems when flowering is completed
PropagationPropagate by seed as soon as ripe in containers in a cold frame. Bulb propagation: detach bulblets from parent bulb as plants become dormant and pot on; remove bulbils from leaf axils before plants die down and pot on; propagate with scales from healthy bulbs
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