Lilium speciosum var. rubrum (Lily)

Ardently admired since its introduction to English gardeners in 1830, Lilium speciosum rubrum is an exquisite Lily with fragrant, nodding flowers, up to 6 in. wide (15 cm), with white recurved tepals flushed raspberry and spotted crimson inside. But its beauty is not the only reason for its success. It also produces one of nature's most fabulous perfumes! Plant it near a patio and enjoy its intoxicating fragrance!

  • Blooming in late summer, this Lily constitutes an excellent border plant, providing striking color and contrast to the perennial border and mixes beautifully with annuals and other summer flowering bulbs. It is well suited to containers and the cutting garden as it makes excellent fresh cut flowers.
  • Growing up to 5 feet tall (150 cm) on slender, wiry stems, it performs best in full sun or part shade and enjoys fairly fertile, acidic, well-drained soils. Good moisture is required and dry soils should be avoided!
  • Reliable, easy to grow, beloved by bees and butterflies
  • Plant in spring or fall. Plant in groups of 3 bulbs at a minimum for a striking display! When flowering is over, cut back leaves and stems after they turn yellow.
  • Toxic to cats (though not for dogs or any known species)
  • These Lilies are members of the Species and cultivars of species Division (IX) which includes all species and their subspecies, varieties and forms, and cultivars selected therefrom (excluding those derived from formosanum, longiflorum, philippinense and wallichianum). There are 9 different types of lilies classified by the Royal Horticultural Society. And they are all real eye-catchers

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 7

Heat Zones 8
– 10

Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Lilium – Lilies
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Height 4'
– 5'
(120cm
– 150cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 7″ (17cm)
Depth 7"
(17cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage