Lilium 'Thunderbolt' (Thunderbolt Lily) — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium 'Thunderbolt' 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 'Thunderbolt' 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 borders, cut flowers and containers.

About

Lilium 'Thunderbolt' is a bulbous lily producing upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb, bearing narrow lance-shaped leaves either scattered or in whorls. It flowers from June to August and the blooms are mildly fragrant. Foliage is deciduous and the plant suits positions where the roots remain cool while the tops get sun.

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 'Thunderbolt' is a true lily growing from a scaly, tunicless bulb and carrying unbranched stems with narrow lance-shaped leaves that are shed after the season. Flowering runs from June to August and the flowers have a mild scent, making the stems of real value for summer cutting. For siting, place the plant where the top growth receives full sun while the bulb is kept shaded; some lilies also perform well with dappled light. Use deep, humus-rich loam in the open ground or a loam-based compost in containers. Aim for neutral to acid soil where possible; certain types such as Madonna and trumpet lilies will tolerate lime. Keep the rootzone moist but sharply drained, and choose a south, west or east-facing, sheltered aspect to reduce wind damage. Hardiness is rated H4–H6 (average to very hardy across much of the UK), so plants will survive typical seasonal conditions across most regions. Use Lilium 'Thunderbolt' in mixed borders, for cut flowers or in containers positioned with shelter. Note that all true lilies are toxic to cats, so avoid placing pots or clumps where cats might investigate the bulbs or foliage.

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 'Thunderbolt' 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: Borders, cut flowers, containers
Fragrance: Mildly fragrant
Toxicity: Toxic to cats

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium 'Thunderbolt'

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 'Thunderbolt'?

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 'Thunderbolt'?

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

What soil does Lilium 'Thunderbolt' need?

Lilium 'Thunderbolt' 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 'Thunderbolt'?

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 'Thunderbolt' hardy in the UK?

Lilium 'Thunderbolt' 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 'Thunderbolt'?

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 'Thunderbolt' toxic?

Toxic to cats.

More in the Lilium genus

Browse all Lilium →