Lilium × testaceum (nankeen lily) — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium × testaceum 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 × testaceum 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. Suggested uses include ornamental garden plant, borders and cut flowers..

About

Lilium × testaceum is a bulbous lily with upright, unbranched stems arising from a scaly bulb and narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged along the stem. It flowers from June to August and the blooms are mildly fragrant. The plant prefers full sun while keeping the roots cool and requires deep, humus-rich, moist but sharply drained soil.

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 × testaceum is a bulbous member of the Liliaceae that produces single, upright stems from a scaly bulb, carrying narrow lance-shaped leaves either scattered or in whorls up the stem. Flowering runs from June to August and the blooms carry a mild scent suited to close planting or cutting for vases. Give plants a sunny position while ensuring the bulb and root zone remain shaded or cool; some related lilies will also tolerate dappled light. A deep, humus-rich loam or a loam-based compost for containers works best, and soil must remain moist but sharply drained to avoid bulb rot. Neutral to slightly acidic conditions are preferred, although some Madonna and trumpet lilies tolerate lime. Place in a south-, west- or east-facing spot with shelter from prevailing winds so the tall unbranched stems are supported naturally by their surroundings. In UK terms Lilium × testaceum performs outdoors across much of the country (H4–H6: average to very hardy), so it is suitable for borders and beds where it can be seen at eye level or used as a summer cut flower. The upright habit gives reliably straight stems for cutting through the summer months.

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 × testaceum 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
Suggested uses: Ornamental garden plant, borders, cut flowers.
Fragrance: Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium × testaceum

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 × testaceum?

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 × testaceum?

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

What soil does Lilium × testaceum need?

Lilium × testaceum 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 × testaceum?

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 × testaceum hardy in the UK?

Lilium × testaceum 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 × testaceum?

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 →