Lilium longiflorum
Lilium longiflorum
Easter lily produces pure white trumpet flowers with a powerful sweet fragrance from July to August. The classic florist's lily. Not fully hardy in the UK so needs a sheltered warm position or container growing. Move pots under cover in winter. The elegant flowers are 15-20cm long. Superb for cutting.
Where to plant
Best aspect
Border position
When to plant and expect flowers
Plant
Flowers
How to grow lilium longiflorum
Plant 15cm deep in spring in a sheltered warm position. Not fully hardy so mulch heavily in winter or grow in containers that can be moved under cover. Excellent in large pots on a sunny patio. The classic white trumpet lily of the florist trade.
Soil requirements
Soil type
loam, sand
Moisture
well drained
pH
neutral, alkaline
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
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