About
Lilium 'Vendome' (VIIa) is a bulbous, herbaceous lily in the family Liliaceae that produces the large, prominent blooms characteristic of true lilies. It grows from a scaly, tunicless bulb and completes its flowering in the UK between June and August. Like other members of Lilium, it is a perennial that dies back to the bulb after the season. All parts of true lilies are highly toxic to cats, so position with care.
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 'Vendome' (VIIa) sits within the genus Lilium, a group of herbaceous perennials native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere and valued for their large flowers. As a bulbous lily it emerges from a scaly, tunicless bulb each year and produces upright flowering stems that appear in the summer; in the UK its flowering runs from June to August. Planting and establishment follow the patterns seen across true lilies. Many species develop bulbs well below the soil surface, while others form stem-roots or even small bulblets on short rhizomes; plant the bulb at a depth that allows the emerging stem to put out adventitious roots above it. Where rhizome-forming behaviour occurs, separate the small bulbs in autumn or spring to increase stocks. The bulb provides the perennial storage organ, so avoid deep disturbance close to the crown. In a UK garden, place Lilium 'Vendome' where its height will not be overwhelmed by surrounding plants — the genus includes stems that commonly sit towards the middle or rear of perennial borders. Take care with placement because true lilies are highly toxic to cats; avoid sites where pets may dig or access fallen stems and bulbs.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Lilium genus
- Lilium 'Barbara North' (Ic/d)
- Lilium 'Conception'
- Lilium 'Delicate Joy' (Ia/b)
- Lilium 'Easy Samba' (Ia/c)
- Lilium 'Gracia'
- Lilium 'Halloween' (Ia/-)
- Lilium 'Mount Duckling' (Ia-b/b)
- Lilium 'Parasol'
