Overview
Notholirion thomsonianum is a bulbous perennial in the genus Notholirion, part of the Liliaceae family. Notholirion thomsonianum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Suggested uses include rock gardens, alpine gardens and borders. It is native to W Himalaya and Afghanistan.
About
Notholirion thomsonianum is a bulbous perennial in the lily family that produces scented flowers. Native to the western Himalaya and Afghanistan, it occupies exposed mountain sites in its range. In cultivation it favours well-drained sandy or loamy soil of neutral to slightly acidic reaction and a sheltered, south-facing position. The plant flowers in April to May and is suited to rock and alpine garden situations and mixed borders.
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 thomsonianum is a bulbous perennial in the Liliaceae, originating from the western Himalaya and Afghanistan. As a mountain species it is best treated as a specialist bulb for sites that replicate a drier, well-drained substrate rather than heavy garden clay. Choose a sheltered, south-facing spot that receives full sun or light afternoon shade. Plant into free-draining sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and avoid waterlogged positions; the bulbs need moderate but not constant moisture. A gravelly planting mix or raised bed can give the drainage these bulbs prefer while retaining enough moisture through the growing season. Use Thomson's lily in rock gardens, alpine collections or at the front of a sunny mixed border where its scented flowers can be appreciated. The blooms appear in April to May, so position the plant where the scent and flowers will be noticed at close range, for example in a low rockery or beside a path in a sheltered corner.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Notholirion
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral to slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
Plant details
Notholirion thomsonianum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, alpine gardens, borders
- Native to
- W Himalaya, Afghanistan
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Notholirion thomsonianum
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in autumn; requires well-drained soil and protection from excessive winter wet.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb energy storage; cut back foliage after it yellows.
- Propagation
- By seed or bulb offsets
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Notholirion thomsonianum?
Plant bulbs in autumn; requires well-drained soil and protection from excessive winter wet.
Where is the best place to plant Notholirion thomsonianum?
Notholirion thomsonianum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Notholirion thomsonianum need?
Notholirion thomsonianum grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Notholirion thomsonianum?
Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb energy storage; cut back foliage after it yellows.
How do I propagate Notholirion thomsonianum?
By seed or bulb offsets.
More in the Notholirion genus
- Notholirion bulbiferum
- Notholirion macrophyllumlarge-leaved false lily
- Notholirion campanulatumbell-flowered lily
- Notholirion hyacinthinum