Lilium tsingtauense (twilight lily) — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium tsingtauense 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 tsingtauense 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 China to Korea.

About

Lilium tsingtauense is a bulbous lily producing a single upright, unbranched stem from a scaly bulb. It carries narrow, lance-shaped leaves either scattered or in whorls up the stem and reaches about 1.2 m. It performs best in full sun while keeping the root run shaded and flowers from June to August. Handle the bulbs with gloves as they are ornamental and toxic to pets if eaten.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium tsingtauense

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 tsingtauense originates from eastern China to Korea and grows from a scaly bulb into a single, upright stem to roughly 1.2 m. The foliage is narrow and lance-shaped, arranged either scattered or in whorls along the stem. Flowering occurs from June to August. In the UK it sits between H4 and H6, meaning it is suited to average to very hardy garden sites where winter conditions are not extreme. Plant in a deep, humus-rich loam in the border or use a loam-based compost when growing in pots. The species favours full sun above ground but a shaded root run, so position bulbs where neighbouring plants or a light mulch can shade the crown while the stem receives sun; south, west or east aspects are appropriate. Maintain soil that is moist yet sharply drained — bulbs will rot in stagnant wet conditions — and choose a sheltered spot to protect the tall, single stems from strong exposure. This lily works well as a summer-flowering vertical accent in mixed borders or large containers, where the straight stems and whorled leaves are easily seen. Take care when handling the bulbs, wear gloves, and keep them away from pets; refer to the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and contacts.

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 tsingtauense 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: China to Korea
Toxicity: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten (cats) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium tsingtauense

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 tsingtauense?

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 tsingtauense?

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

What soil does Lilium tsingtauense need?

Lilium tsingtauense 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 tsingtauense?

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 tsingtauense grow?

Lilium tsingtauense reaches a height of 1.2 m.

Is Lilium tsingtauense hardy in the UK?

Lilium tsingtauense 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 tsingtauense?

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 tsingtauense toxic?

Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten (cats) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.

More in the Lilium genus

Browse all Lilium →