Lilium szovitzianum — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium szovitzianum 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. Lilium szovitzianum 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 Transcaucasia.

About

Lilium szovitzianum is a bulbous lily producing upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb. Leaves are deciduous, narrow and set either scattered or in whorls along the stem. It flowers in the UK from June to August. The species originates from Transcaucasia.

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 szovitzianum comes from Transcaucasia and grows from a scaly, tunicless bulb that sends up single, upright stems. The foliage is deciduous with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that may be arranged singly or in whorls on the stem. Flowering occurs in the UK from June to August. Give the bulbs a sunny position above ground while keeping their roots cool and shaded; dappled light suits some lilies. Plant into deep, humus-rich loam in the border or use a loam-based potting compost for containers. Aim for a neutral to acid soil reaction, and remember that the soil must be moist but sharply drained because bulbs will rot if left in stagnant wet. Choose a south-, west- or east-facing site that is sheltered from strong winds. Lilium szovitzianum is winter-hardy across much of Britain (H4–H6: average to very hardy) and suits sunny, protected borders or deep containers where root cooling is possible with mulch or low planting. Avoid waterlogged positions at all times, as standing wet will cause bulb rot.

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 szovitzianum 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
Native to: Transcaucasia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium szovitzianum

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 szovitzianum?

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 szovitzianum?

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

What soil does Lilium szovitzianum need?

Lilium szovitzianum 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 szovitzianum?

Remove faded flowers to stop seed forming, but leave the stem and foliage until it has yellowed completely, then cut to the base.

Is Lilium szovitzianum hardy in the UK?

Lilium szovitzianum 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 szovitzianum?

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 →