Overview
Lilium pardalinum 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. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Lilium pardalinum 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. It is native to USA (California, Oregon) and N Mexico.
About
Lilium pardalinum is a bulbous perennial that produces upright, unbranched stems to about 2.0 m. It flowers in summer (June to August) with nodding, often spotted blooms. Leaves are narrow, lance-shaped and occur scattered or in whorls up the stem; they die back in winter. Plants arise from a scaly bulb.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium pardalinum
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 pardalinum is native to parts of western North America and reaches its full height in summer, carrying nodding, often spotted flowers between June and August. In the UK it suits situations that combine good summer light with cool roots, reflecting its preference for full sun above but shade for the bulb itself. Give it deep, humus-rich loam in the ground or a loam-based compost if grown in containers, and aim for a neutral to slightly acid pH where possible. Bulbs need soil that stays moist through the growing season but drains sharply; avoid sites where water stands over winter. Position plants in a south, west or east-facing situation with shelter from strong winds so the tall stems are less likely to flop. It sits comfortably in areas rated H4–H6 (average to very hardy), so it will grow across much of the UK when sited correctly. Handle bulbs with care and wear gloves, and note that these ornamental bulbs are toxic to pets, particularly cats. Allow foliage to die back naturally so the scaly bulb can replenish energy for the following season.
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 pardalinum 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
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Native to
- USA (California, Oregon), N Mexico
- Toxicity
- Ornamental 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
Pruning and caring for Lilium pardalinum
- 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 pardalinum?
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 pardalinum?
Lilium pardalinum prefers full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lilium pardalinum need?
Lilium pardalinum 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 pardalinum?
Remove faded flowers to stop seed forming, but leave the stem and foliage until it has yellowed completely, then cut to the base.
How big does Lilium pardalinum grow?
Lilium pardalinum reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Lilium pardalinum hardy in the UK?
Lilium pardalinum 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 pardalinum?
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.
Is Lilium pardalinum toxic?
Ornamental 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.
More in the Lilium genus
- Lilium 'Barbara North' (Ic/d)
- Lilium 'Conception'
- Lilium 'Delicate Joy' (Ia/b)
- Lilium 'Easy Samba' (Ia/c)
- Lilium 'Gracia'
- Lilium 'Halloween' (Ia/-)
- Lilium 'Mount Duckling' (Ia-b/b)
- Lilium 'Parasol'
