Lilium regale
Lilium regale
The regal lily is the most popular garden lily in the UK, producing large funnel-shaped white flowers with a pink-purple reverse and golden throat. Powerfully fragrant. Up to 15 flowers per stem on established plants. Easy to grow in any well-drained soil. One of the most rewarding summer bulbs.
Where to plant
Best aspect
Border position
When to plant and expect flowers
Plant
Flowers
How to grow lilium regale
Plant 15cm deep in autumn or spring. Tolerates most soils with decent drainage. Stem-rooting so benefits from a deep mulch. Feed with tomato fertiliser when buds form. Excellent in pots using loam-based compost.
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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