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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Lily does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed as new growth begins, following the rate on a balanced garden fertiliser. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Lily after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, maintenance 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
Lily sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered 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. Availability is confirmed when you request a quote; use the panel above to register interest.
