Lilium 'Marhan' or dalhansonii — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium 'Marhan' or dalhansonii 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 'Marhan' or dalhansonii 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 'Marhan' or dalhansonii is a bulbous lily with upright unbranched stems arising from a scaly bulb and narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged along the stem. It is deciduous and flowers in summer. Plants perform best in full sun provided the bulb and root zone remain shaded. Flowering occurs from June to August.

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 'Marhan' or dalhansonii belongs to the Liliaceae and grows from a scaly, tunicless bulb that throws up unbranched stems bearing narrow, lance-shaped leaves either scattered or in whorls. As a true lily, it produces its summer flowers on single stems and is deciduous between seasons; flowering runs from June to August. Cultivate it in full sun while keeping the bulb cool and shaded, choosing a sheltered south-, west- or east-facing spot. Use deep, humus-rich loam in the ground or a loam-based compost if growing in pots. Aim for neutral to acid soil and maintain a moist but sharply drained root environment, since bulbs are prone to rot if the soil remains waterlogged. In the UK it suits gardens rated from average to very hardy (H4–H6), so it will overwinter in most established borders when soil drainage is good. Plant where the vertical stems can be seen without being shaded by taller shrubs, and avoid sites with stagnant wet at bulb level. The upright stems carry the summer display, so locating the bulbs where the shoots receive sun while the rootzone stays cool will support reliable 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 'Marhan' or dalhansonii 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 'Marhan' or dalhansonii

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 'Marhan' or dalhansonii?

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 'Marhan' or dalhansonii?

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

What soil does Lilium 'Marhan' or dalhansonii need?

Lilium 'Marhan' or dalhansonii 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 'Marhan' or dalhansonii?

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 'Marhan' or dalhansonii hardy in the UK?

Lilium 'Marhan' or dalhansonii 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 'Marhan' or dalhansonii?

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 →