Lily

Lilium nepalense

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: cool acidic soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: June to July
• Flower colour: greenish-yellow with dark purple centres
• Other features: will tolerate chalky soil
• Hardiness: semi-hardy, needs winter protection
  
  An extraordinary lily that originates from the south of the Himalayas from Northern Indian to Nepal and Bhutan. It boasts large, pendulous greenish-yellow flowers with dark reddish-purple centres. These come either singly or small clusters of up to five on each stem. It will flourish cool, acid soil with good drainage and if possible should be planted in raised beds so you can appreciate the spectacular flowers. The flowers are good for picking, but they may have an unpleasant smell.
  
  The RSPCA have reported that all parts of lilies can be fatal to cats, including the flower, leaves and pollen. For more information, click here.
  
  
• Garden care: Between August and March plant 15-20cm (6-8in) deep in acidic well-drained soil, enriched with well-rotted organic matter or leaf mould, using a marker to minimise any unnecessary disturbance. Stake with ring stakes or bamboo canes in spring before the flowers appear. Deadhead the faded blooms and cut the stems back to ground level at the end of autumn. If you leave them undisturbed after flowering they will often re-appear year after year.