Lily

Lilium Golden Splendor Group

• Position: full sun (with shade at the base)
• Soil: well-drained, acid to neutral soil, enriched with leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter or a loam-based potting compost, such as John Innes no. 2
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: July and August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Stately sprays of large, fragrant, sunny yellow flowers edged with dark burgundy-red bands appear high on slender stems in July and August. The leaves are slender, dark green and glossy. Lilies are one of the all-time favourite summer-flowering bulbs as they look superb in any garden scheme.
  
  

  Be warned, lilies are suspectible to a range of pests and diseases, including lily beetle, and as such can be high maintenance and may need replacing regularly.
  
  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: Lilies are best planted in the autumn, when the bulbs are still plump, but they can still be planted in spring. Between August and March choose a sunny spot where the plant can keep its feet in the shade. Plant 15-20cm (6-8in) deep in a 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.
  
  

  < Previous Plant Next Plant >