Buy lily bulb Lilium nepalense

Lilium nepalense

Position: partial shade
Soil: cool acidic soil
Rate of growth: fast-growing
Flowering period: June to July
Hardiness: half hardy - needs winter protection
Bulb size: 12+

An extraordinary lily that originates from the south of the Himalayas from Northern Indian to Nepal and Bhutan. It boasts large, pendulous greenish-yellow flowers with dark reddish-purple centres. These come either singly or in small clusters of up to five on each stem. It will flourish in cool, acid soil with good drainage and if possible should be planted in raised beds so you can appreciate the spectacular flowers. The flowers are good for picking, but they may have an unpleasant smell.
Garden care: Between August and March plant 15-30cm apart and 15-20cm deep in acidic well-drained soil, enriched with well-rotted organic matter or leaf mould, using a marker to minimise any unnecessary disturbance. Stake with ring stakes or bamboo canes in spring before the flowers appear. Deadhead the faded blooms and cut the stems back to ground level at the end of autumn. If you leave them undisturbed after flowering they will often reappear year after year.