Lilium 'Walter Bentley' — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium 'Walter Bentley' 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 'Walter Bentley' 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 'Walter Bentley' is a bulbous lily with upright, unbranched stems and a pronounced fragrance. It carries narrow, lance-shaped leaves placed either scattered or in whorls along the stem and is deciduous. Flowering occurs June to August, producing blooms prized for cutting. Position it in full sun while keeping the bulb cool with shaded roots in a sheltered, south-, west- or east-facing spot.

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 'Walter Bentley' grows from a scaly bulb to produce single, upright stems bearing narrow, lance-shaped leaves and strongly scented flowers from June to August. The plant is deciduous and its unbranched habit gives clear, long stems that make the flowers easy to pick for bouquets. Plant in deep, humus-rich loam in borders or use a loam-based compost for containers; the roots prefer cool, shaded soil while the foliage and flowers need full sun or light dappled shade. Aim for neutral to slightly acid soil where possible; some groups of lilies (Madonna and trumpet types) tolerate lime but neutral to acid is the general preference. Keep soil moist but sharply drained, as bulbs will rot if left in stagnant wet. The recommended exposure is sheltered, and the hardiness range H4–H6 corresponds to average to very hardy in UK terms, so it will survive winter where frost is not extreme. Use Lilium 'Walter Bentley' at the back of summer borders for height, in containers to bring scent close to doors or patios, and as a reliable source of cut flowers. Its long stems and fragrant summer blooms make it particularly useful for June–August arrangements and placing where the scent will be enjoyed.

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 'Walter Bentley' 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: Fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium 'Walter Bentley'

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 'Walter Bentley'?

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 'Walter Bentley'?

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

What soil does Lilium 'Walter Bentley' need?

Lilium 'Walter Bentley' 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 'Walter Bentley'?

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 'Walter Bentley' hardy in the UK?

Lilium 'Walter Bentley' 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 'Walter Bentley'?

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 →