Species Lilium Lankonense
A stunning species from the mountains of China, growing up to 3000m above sea level. Sweetly perfumed. Early blooming, growing up to 1.5m in height. Seldom offered and very limited in number. Makes a fairly small bulb, and flowers well from it!
In general the Lilium family is very hardy. Easy to grow Liliums perform best in a full sun or part shade position, with well drained soil. Prepare a hole to a depth of 25cm, making the soil loose and friable. Plant the bulbs with the root system downwards allowing for approximately 5cm of soil to cover.
Liliums have a dual feeding system. One root system establishes to the flower stem, feeding the current seasons flower. The second system comes from the bulbs basal plate, and feeds the bulb directly, assisting to make next years flowers. Liliums can be fed at planting, and repeat fed through out their growing season. We use Nitrophoska granule fertiliser alternating with sheep manure.
If you intend on picking the blooms, leave at least 1/3 of the stem length on the bulb to ensure the bulb maintains its size to produce next seasons flower.