Overview
Notholirion macrophyllum is a bulbous perennial in the genus Notholirion, part of the Liliaceae family. Notholirion macrophyllum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. It is native to Himalayas and China.
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 macrophyllum is a bulbous perennial in the Liliaceae, native to the Himalayas and China. As a spring-flowering bulb it produces its display in April to May and then persists as a bulb through the remainder of the year. Its large leaves are a defining feature and help the bulb build reserves for the following season. For cultivation in the UK choose a spot that receives full sun or light shade and provides fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The soil should hold moisture through spring but drain freely to avoid waterlogging; mixing organic matter into heavy soils will improve structure and fertility. Water in dry spells during the growth period, reducing moisture as the plant moves out of active growth. In a garden, place Notholirion macrophyllum where a spring bulb display is wanted — a sunny or partly shaded border, a specialised bulb bed or among late-winter/early-spring companions. Its April–May flowering slot makes it useful for adding seasonal interest before many summer perennials take over, and the bulbs can be managed alongside other spring-flowering collections.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Notholirion
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
Plant details
Notholirion macrophyllum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Native to
- Himalayas, China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Notholirion macrophyllum
- Propagation
- bulb offsets
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Notholirion macrophyllum?
Notholirion macrophyllum prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Notholirion macrophyllum need?
Notholirion macrophyllum grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I propagate Notholirion macrophyllum?
Bulb offsets.
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 Notholirion genus
- Notholirion thomsonianumThomson's lily
- Notholirion bulbiferum
- Notholirion campanulatumbell-flowered lily
- Notholirion hyacinthinum