Lilium pyrenaicum 'Rubrum' (Pyrenean Lily) — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium pyrenaicum 'Rubrum' 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 'Rubrum' 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.

About

Lilium pyrenaicum 'Rubrum' is a bulbous lily in the Liliaceae that sends up upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb to about 1.3 metres. It is native to the Pyrenees and flowers in the UK from June to August. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, arranged either scattered or in whorls along the stem. Position the stems in full sun while keeping the bulb cool and shaded.

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

A member of the Liliaceae native to the Pyrenees, Lilium pyrenaicum 'Rubrum' produces erect, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb and reaches roughly 1.3 metres. The foliage is deciduous, with narrow lance-shaped leaves appearing either singly along the stem or in whorls. Flowering in the UK runs from June to August. Plant into deep humus-rich loam or use a loam-based compost for containers; a neutral to slightly acid pH suits it best. Give the top growth full sun but keep the roots shaded or planted where the soil is cool—dappled light is also tolerated. Soil must be moist yet sharply drained as bulbs will rot in stagnant wet; choose a south, west or east-facing position with shelter from prevailing winds. Hardiness is H4–H6, which translates to average to very hardy in UK terms, so a sheltered spot benefits plants at the lower end of that range. At about 1.3 metres tall it suits the back of a herbaceous border or a tall mixed bed, and will also grow in a deep container with free drainage. Mulch or plant low companions to help shade the soil and keep the bulb cool. Because the scaly bulb dislikes sitting in water, avoid heavy clay hollows and set bulbs on a raised mound or a grit layer to improve drainage.

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 'Rubrum' 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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium pyrenaicum 'Rubrum'

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 'Rubrum'?

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 'Rubrum'?

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

What soil does Lilium pyrenaicum 'Rubrum' need?

Lilium pyrenaicum 'Rubrum' 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 'Rubrum'?

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 'Rubrum' grow?

Lilium pyrenaicum 'Rubrum' reaches a height of 1.3 metres.

Is Lilium pyrenaicum 'Rubrum' hardy in the UK?

Lilium pyrenaicum 'Rubrum' 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 'Rubrum'?

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 →