Lilium 'Maxwill' — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium 'Maxwill' 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 'Maxwill' 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 'Maxwill' is a bulbous lily with upright, unbranched stems arising from a scaly bulb and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are either scattered or form whorls. Flowering occurs from June to August with blooms carried above the foliage. It prefers full sun with the root zone shaded and will grow in deep humus-rich loam or loam-based compost in pots, but the soil must be moist yet sharply drained to prevent bulb rot.

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 'Maxwill' is a true lily grown from a scaly bulb and bearing deciduous, narrow lance-shaped leaves on upright, unbranched stems. Flowers appear from June to August, carried well above the foliage so they are visible across a border or from a patio. The bulb habit means the plant dies back to the underground organ after the season and re-sprouts the following year. Give Lilium 'Maxwill' a sunny, sheltered site with the roots kept cool or shaded; south, west or east aspects are all suitable. Use a deep, humus-rich loam in the ground or a loam-based compost for large pots, and avoid stagnant wet since bulbs will rot in poorly drained soil. Neutral to acid soils are preferable, though some lilies tolerate lime—select planting sites accordingly. The hardiness range H4–H6 translates as average to very hardy, so it will survive outdoors in most parts of the UK provided drainage and a sheltered position are offered. It performs well in deep borders or large containers where the root-run can be kept cool and moist but free-draining. Because the stems are unbranched and held aloft, siting where they are shielded from strong winds helps keep flower heads intact and upright throughout the summer display.

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 'Maxwill' 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 'Maxwill'

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 'Maxwill'?

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 'Maxwill'?

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

What soil does Lilium 'Maxwill' need?

Lilium 'Maxwill' 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 'Maxwill'?

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 'Maxwill' hardy in the UK?

Lilium 'Maxwill' 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 'Maxwill'?

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 →