About
A bulbous perennial with dark green leafy stems to 2m, bearing large, outward-facing dark red flowers 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
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. Ideally grow in full sun with the base of the plant in shade.
PruningDeadhead after flowering. Cut back stems when foliage dies down.
PropagationPropagate by division or scaling, see bulb propagation for details. It is also possible to propagate by seed, though plants produced from seed will vary.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to lily beetle, aphids, slugs, thrips, leatherjackets and wireworms, as well as small mammals such as rabbits and voles
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds, various fungal infections and virus diseases