Lilium regale
The most famous and one of the most beutiful of all of the trumpet lilies is Lilium Regal. First discovered in the early 1900s when Englishmen were explorers and plant hunters. E.H Wilson came accross this Lily in China, however he was working for the Arnold Arboretum in Boston at the time.
You can buy many hybrids that have Wilson's Regal Lily in the parenetage, however none have risen far above the original species for beauty. It has won the RHS Award of Merit, is grown around the world and is simply on of the best.
Before you buy any bulb learning a little about its care requirements is essential and Lilium regale is no exception.
Although the flowering season is short Lilium regale is a plant that has numerous desirable characteristics.
It's flowers really are beautiful, one could say 'regal'. It is easily cared for and is fully hardy, it is heavily perfumed and on a warm evening the fragrance is magical. And to add to this it makes a wonderful cut flower and will multiply easily
Without doubt one of the classic, Liliums this is not only a stunning lily but also easy to grow.
This is a bulbous perennial originally from China, large flowers, white with red to pink markings on the back and a soft yellow throat. Lilium regale var. album is a pure white flowering form and performs well under the same conditions.
In the UK you can grow lilium regale in the border, or if you like in containers. They are sweetly perfumed so try growing near a pathway where the fragrance can be appreciated. Try planting with a plant support in place so the long stems can be trained through it and give a real sense of height,
Although lilies are best planted into the garden in autumn you can actually plant right through until spring, so as long as you can find bulbs for sale, give them a go.
Bulbs purchased in autumn tend to be of better size and quality.
Lilium regale Care and Cultivation
In the garden plant , prepare the soil well by digging in well rotted compost, leave for a week or so, this prevents any 'slump' that can occur. Make sure the garden is well drained, bulbs do not like to sit in water logged soil.
This is a tall growing species that in good conditions can reach to nearly 2m in height (6ft). It is adaptable in terms of soil conditions, growing satisfactorily in dryish soils, but performing much better in humus rich moist soils.
In colder areas, gardners will need to lift the bulbs and store them over winter as Lilium bulbs do not take well to extreme cold and wet.
Planting
Most planting instructions indicate to plant these at around 20cm deep and we find this works well. Ensure that drainage is good and that the plants will get plenty of sun. Lack of sun is a major growing conditions that is a factor in poor flowering.
Can you grow Lilium regale in pots ?
Yes, as long as it is a deep pot. Liliums however do tend to decline a little if left in pots for a number of years.
They seem to grow well and flower the first few years, after around 4 years they seem to go into decline.
To overcome this try repotting in fresh mix every second year. You can also lift them every winter if you like.
Supporting
We like to use a plant hoop with Lilium regale, firstly this allows us to mark where they are in the garden and prevents us slicing the bulbs with a spade or fork.
Secondly it will provide the tall flower stems with some support, especially during windy conditions.
You can also plant the bulbs beneath low growing shrubs and let the flower stalks find their own way to the light, and let the shrubs provide natural support.
After flowering
Remember to allow the foliage to die right back before cleaning up, this ensures that energy for the next season is provided to the bulb.
If you are cutting Lilium Regale for the flowers, leave at least 1/3 of the foliage.
Summary
- Part light shade to part sun buy not deep shade
- Humus rich moist but well drained soil
- Flowers in late spring to summer
- Best left undisturbed.
- Can be grown in containers, but best in ground
- Large trumpet shaped flowers
OTHER FLOWERING BULB RESOURCES
