Stately stems crowned with large, often heavily perfumed trumpet flowers, prized for cutting. Note that lilies are highly toxic to cats, causing kidney failure even in tiny amounts.
At a glance
- Plant type: Bulb
- Mature size: 1.2 m H × 30 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Lily
Lilium hybrid is a moderate-growing bulb in the Liliaceae family. It reaches around 1.2 m tall and 30 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. White, pink, orange, yellow and red flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Lily
Lily suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Lily provided drainage is reasonable. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Lily is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Lily after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Lily in the garden
Lily earns its place for cut flowers for the vase, its fragrance, pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Lily with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Lily
Plant Sale lists Lily as bulbs. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.