Leichtlin's Lily

Lilium leichtlinii is a stunning and graceful true lily species native to Japan that performs excellently in UK gardens. It produces tall, slender stems (up to 1.2m) bearing several pendulous, bright citron-yellow flowers with strongly recurved petals. Each petal is heavily spotted with dark purple or chocolate-brown markings, giving the plant a refined, exotic look. Unlike many lilies that require acidic soil, this species is somewhat more tolerant of different soil types, though it still demands good drainage. It is stem-rooting, so bulbs should be planted at a depth of about three times their height. In the UK, it benefits from a position where the 'feet' or roots are in the shade (perhaps amongst low shrubs) while the flower heads are in the sun. It is fully hardy but, like all lilies, is susceptible to the scarlet lily beetle, which should be monitored for in early spring.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.