About
Lilium tsingtauense, the twilight lily, is a bulbous perennial from China and Korea producing upright, leafy stems and umbels of up to 15 upright, shallowly trumpet-shaped, maroon-spotted, orange or orange-red flowers 5�8 cm across with narrow tepals in midsummer. A distinctive and rewarding species lily for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Lilium are bulbous perennials producing erect, often tall stems bearing whorled or scattered leaves and terminal racemes or umbels of bowl-shaped, trumpet-shaped, funnel-shaped or turk's cap flowers, often fragrant, in white, yellow, orange or red tones. Hardy and ornamental bulbs for borders and woodland gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toChina to Korea
ToxicityOrnamental 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
CultivationThis cultivar is lime-tolerant but grows best in moist acid soil in full sun or part shade; ideal in pots, see growing lilies in containers for further information
PruningCut down stems as foliage yellows and dies back
PropagationPropagate from seed (indoors) sown in warmth when ripe, or separate offsets after the foliage dies down
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to lily beetle, aphids and slugs; plants in pots are vulnerable to vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and a virus. For more advice, see lily diseases