About
Notholirion thomsonianum, Thomson's lily, is a bulbous perennial with narrow, vivid-green, strap-shaped leaves to 45 cm at the base, shorter on the stem. Scented, pale lilac-pink, lily-like flowers are produced in spikes of 10 to 30 in early summer. A beautiful and rewarding bulb for a cool, well-drained border.
About the genus
Notholirion are perennial bulbs with narrowly lance-shaped basal leaves in a tuft and erect stems bearing racemes of funnel-shaped, lily-like flowers in summer. Grown in cool, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Bulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toW Himalaya, Afghanistan
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationPlant 10-15cm deep in autumn. Outdoors plant in deep, humus-rich, moist but well drained soil in a sunny position. Provide protection during severe or prolonged frosts. Under glass plant in large containers of peat-free potting compost with added leaf mould and sharp sand in bright, filtered light.
PruningDeadhead after flowering and allow foliage to die down naturally
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by separating bulblets in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free