About
Lilium pardalinum, the leopard lily, is a vigorous, rhizomatous bulbous perennial to 2 m with whorled leaves and several nodding, dark-spotted, orange-red turk's cap flowers 9 cm across shading to yellow at the centre in summer. An outstanding and easy-care lily for a moist, partly shaded border.
About the genus
Lilium are bulbous perennials producing erect, often tall stems bearing whorled or scattered leaves and terminal racemes or umbels of bowl-shaped, trumpet-shaped, funnel-shaped or turk's cap flowers, often fragrant, in white, yellow, orange or red tones. Hardy and ornamental bulbs for borders and woodland gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toUSA (California, Oregon), N Mexico
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 any well-drained, moist, soil enriched with leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter. Lime tolerant but not in dry soil
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown, when ripe, in containers in a cold frame or separate offsets after the foliage dies down
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to lily beetle, aphids, slugs, snails, Thrips, leatherjackets, and wireworms, and to damage by rabbits and voles; plants in containers may be susceptible to vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and a virus; see lily diseases