Lilium speciosum (virginal lily) — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium speciosum 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 1.2 m tall. Lilium speciosum 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 southern Japan and southern China.

About

Lilium speciosum is a bulbous lily with upright, unbranched stems arising from a scaly bulb and reaching about 1.2 m. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are deciduous and may occur scattered or in whorls up the stem. The flowers are fragrant and appear in summer from June to August. It prefers full sun for the shoots while the roots remain shaded.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium speciosum

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 speciosum is a bulb-forming member of the Liliaceae native to southern Japan and southern China. Plants produce single upright stems from a scaly bulb, carrying narrow lance-shaped leaves through the growing season and highly fragrant flowers in summer (June to August). The scent is a defining feature and suits positions where it can be appreciated at close range. Allow plenty of organic matter: a deep humus-rich loam in the border or a loam-based compost in a large pot will suit the bulb. Give the shoots full sun while keeping the root run cool and shaded; some plants of the group tolerate a dappled light condition. Soil should be neutral to acid where possible and kept moist but sharply drained, since bulbs will rot if left in stagnant wet. Position plants on a south, west or east-facing aspect and choose a sheltered site to protect the open stems. Rated H4–H6 (average to very hardy), Lilium speciosum can be grown across much of the UK provided soils do not remain waterlogged over winter. It works well at the back or centre of a summer border or in a large container; place where its fragrance can be enjoyed from a nearby path or seating area.

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 speciosum 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: 1.2 m
Native to: southern Japan, southern China
Fragrance: fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium speciosum

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 speciosum?

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 speciosum?

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

What soil does Lilium speciosum need?

Lilium speciosum 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 speciosum?

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 speciosum grow?

Lilium speciosum reaches a height of 1.2 m.

Is Lilium speciosum hardy in the UK?

Lilium speciosum 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 speciosum?

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 →