Lilium × maculatum — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium × maculatum 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 × maculatum 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 × maculatum is a bulbous lily in the family Liliaceae, producing upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb. It carries narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are deciduous and sit either scattered or in whorls along the stem. Flowering occurs from June to August. Plant in a sheltered, sunny position with the roots kept cool and sharply drained soil.

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 × maculatum is a member of the lily family that grows from a scaly bulb, sending up single, upright stems each season with narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged either in whorls or scattered along the stem. As a bulbous perennial it dies back to the bulb after the season and re-shoots the following year. Flowering in the UK runs June to August. Position bulbs where they receive full sun above ground while the root zone stays cool, or provide dappled light where preferred. Aim for deep, humus-rich loam in beds or a loam-based compost in pots; the bulbs need moist but sharply drained conditions because they will rot in stagnant wet. Soil should be neutral to acid, though related Madonna and trumpet lilies will tolerate lime. Choose a south-, west- or east-facing site that is sheltered from strong winds to protect the tall flower stems. Lilium × maculatum suits sunny, sheltered borders and containers where good drainage can be maintained; containers allow easier control of compost and moisture. It is rated H4–H6, which translates to average to very hardy in UK gardening terms, so it will persist outdoors in a range of British climates when given the right site. Expect blooms from June to August that stand above the narrow leaves and provide summer height in the border or on a patio.

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 × maculatum 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 × maculatum

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 × maculatum?

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 × maculatum?

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

What soil does Lilium × maculatum need?

Lilium × maculatum 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 × maculatum?

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 × maculatum hardy in the UK?

Lilium × maculatum 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 × maculatum?

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 →