Lilium lankongense (Lankong Lily)

Regarded as one of the most beautiful lilies, Lilium lankongense (Lankong Lily) is an erect bulbous perennial with scattered and lance-shaped dark green leaves. In mid to late summer, fragrant, soft pink, often mauve-flushed Turk’s cap flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), can be admired. The ravishing blossoms are adorned with dark burgundy spots in their throats, adding further appeal.

Regarded as one of the most beautiful lilies, Lilium lankongense (Lankong Lily) is an erect bulbous perennial with scattered and lance-shaped dark green leaves. In mid to late summer, fragrant, soft pink, often mauve-flushed Turk's cap flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), can be admired. The ravishing blossoms are adorned with dark burgundy spots in their throats, adding further appeal. Amazingly decorative, Lankong Lily is quite prolific as mature bulbs can produce up to 15 blossoms per stem. Native to China, Lankong Lily spreads by stoloniferous stems and comes back year after year. It is an eye-catching addition to the garden.

  • Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in well-drained soils, enriched with leaf mold or well-rotted organic matter. Best in sun with some shade at the base of the plant. Needs partial shade in warm areas.
  • A great choice for beds and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, and containers. Excellent fresh-cut flowers.
  • Keep an eye out for lily beetle, aphids, slugs, vine weevil, and gray molds.
  • Remove seedheads if not required and cut down stems once the foliage dies down.
  • Propagate from seed, sown, when ripe, in containers in a cold frame or separate offsets after the foliage dies down.
  • Toxic to cats (though not for dogs or any known species)
  • This Lily is a member 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!
  • Native to the mountains of China.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Lilium – Lilies
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Height 3'
– 5'
(90cm
– 150cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage