Lilium pyrenaicum (Pyrenean lily) — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium pyrenaicum 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 1.3 metres tall. Lilium pyrenaicum 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 Pyrenees, Spain and Caucasus.

About

Lilium pyrenaicum is a bulbous lily native to the Pyrenees, Spain and the Caucasus, reaching about 1.3 metres on upright, unbranched stems. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, arranged either scattered or in whorls along the stem. It flowers in the UK from June to August and suits a sunny spot provided the bulb sits in cool, shaded soil. Wear gloves when handling bulbs and keep pets away, as they are toxic if eaten.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium pyrenaicum

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 pyrenaicum is a tall bulbous lily native to montane regions from the Pyrenees eastwards to the Caucasus. Plants carry a single straight stem from a scaly bulb to about 1.3 metres with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are deciduous. In the UK it flowers from June to August. Give it full sun above ground while keeping the roots cool and shaded; a south, west or east-facing, sheltered site suits it best. Plant in deep, humus-rich loam in the border or in large containers using a loam-based compost. Soil should be neutral to acid; ensure it is moist but sharply drained because bulbs will rot in stagnant wet conditions. It tolerates the range H4–H6, which corresponds to average to very hardy garden conditions across much of the UK. Use Lilium pyrenaicum towards the middle or rear of a sunny herbaceous border or in a dedicated lily bed where its upright habit can be supported if needed. Handle bulbs with gloves and keep them away from pets, especially cats. The plant’s tall, unbranched stems and scattered whorled leaves make it identifiable among tall garden lilies.

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 pyrenaicum 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: 1.3 metres
Native to: Pyrenees, Spain, Caucasus
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 pyrenaicum

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 pyrenaicum?

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 pyrenaicum?

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

What soil does Lilium pyrenaicum need?

Lilium pyrenaicum 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 pyrenaicum?

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 pyrenaicum grow?

Lilium pyrenaicum reaches a height of 1.3 metres.

Is Lilium pyrenaicum hardy in the UK?

Lilium pyrenaicum 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 pyrenaicum?

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 pyrenaicum 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

Browse all Lilium →