Lilium Asiatic Hybrids
Lilium (Asiatic Group)
Asiatic hybrid lilies are the easiest and most colourful lily group for UK gardens, flowering from June to July in every colour except blue. Upward-facing flowers on sturdy stems. No fragrance. Excellent in borders and containers. Hundreds of cultivars available. The best starting point for gardeners new to lilies.
Where to plant
Best aspect
Border position
When to plant and expect flowers
Plant
Flowers
How to grow lilium asiatic hybrids
Plant 15cm deep in autumn or spring. The easiest lily group to grow. No scent so plant where colour rather than fragrance is needed. Excellent in containers. Deadhead to prevent seed formation. Feed fortnightly with tomato fertiliser when buds appear.
Soil requirements
Soil type
loam, sand
Moisture
well drained
pH
neutral, acid
Aftercare
Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Remove spent flower heads to prevent self-seeding.
Propagation
- Scales
- Bulbils
- Offsets
- Seed
Wildlife value
Toxicity
Highly toxic to cats — even small amounts can cause fatal kidney failure. Mildly toxic to dogs and humans.
Common problems
- Lily beetle
- Slugs on young shoots
- Botrytis (grey mould)
- Vine weevil in containers
Similar bulbs to grow
Allium 'Purple Sensation'
Allium aflatunense 'Purple Sensation'
Iris × hollandica
Iris × hollandica
Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus
Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus
Narcissus 'Ice Follies'
Narcissus 'Ice Follies'
Muscari armeniacum
Muscari armeniacum
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