Overview
Notholirion campanulatum is a bulbous perennial in the genus Notholirion, part of the Liliaceae family. Notholirion campanulatum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soil soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Suggested uses include rock gardens, alpine gardens and borders. It is native to Himalayas.
About
Notholirion campanulatum is a bulbous perennial in the lily family (Liliaceae) that flowers in April to May. It originates from the Himalayas and suits open, well-drained sites. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and fertile, neutral to slightly acidic soil that remains moist but drains freely. Use it where spring bulbs and low alpine plants are visible in a gravelly or stony setting.
About the genus
Notholirion is a small Asian genus of bulbous plants in the lily family, Liliaceae. It is closely related to Lilium, but each individual flowers only once, and then dies after producing offsets.
In the garden
Notholirion campanulatum is a bulbous perennial belonging to the Liliaceae and native to the Himalayan region. In UK gardens it reliably comes into bloom in April to May, offering a concise spring presence that complements other early-season bulbs. Position it in full sun or a spot with some afternoon shelter; it will also tolerate partial shade where soils stay cool. Soil should be fertile, neutral to slightly acidic and, above all, well drained while retaining some moisture — a gritty, humus-rich mix suits it. Avoid heavy waterlogged ground; improving drainage with grit or composted bark helps when planting in heavier soils. Regular feeding with a balanced bulb fertiliser in the season will support flowering in the following year. Notholirion campanulatum works well in rock and alpine gardens, where its spring flowers sit neatly among small cushions and gravel, and can also be used at the front of a mixed border. Sit bulbs where the flowers will be visible above low companions so the brief April–May display is not hidden by later-leafing plants.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Notholirion
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile soil
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist but well-drained
Plant details
Notholirion campanulatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, alpine gardens, borders
- Native to
- Himalayas
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Notholirion campanulatum
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in autumn at a depth of about 10 cm; prefers cool summers and well-drained soil.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation; cut back foliage after it yellows.
- Propagation
- Propagation by seed or bulb offsets.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Notholirion campanulatum?
Plant bulbs in autumn at a depth of about 10 cm; prefers cool summers and well-drained soil.
Where is the best place to plant Notholirion campanulatum?
Notholirion campanulatum prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Notholirion campanulatum need?
Notholirion campanulatum grows best in well-drained and fertile soil soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Notholirion campanulatum?
Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation; cut back foliage after it yellows.
How do I propagate Notholirion campanulatum?
Propagation by seed or bulb offsets.
More in the Notholirion genus
- Notholirion bulbiferum
- Notholirion macrophyllumlarge-leaved false lily
- Notholirion thomsonianumThomson's lily
- Notholirion hyacinthinum