Plant lily bulbs within one to two weeks of delivery, as they dislike drying out. Until planting, keep them somewhere cool, dry and frost-free.
Lilium nepalense
lily of Nepal
Exotic and intriguing, Lilium nepalense—often known as the lily of Nepal—is a plant with real personality. In early to midsummer, it produces remarkable funnel-shaped flowers that emerge white, greenish or yellow in bud before opening to reveal a rich maroon centre. Each bloom of Lilium nepalense carries an almost otherworldly contrast of colour, lending a mysterious beauty to shaded or woodland-style plantings. Though not notably fragrant (and occasionally rather the opposite), Lilium nepalense still commands attention for its striking form and unusual colour palette.
Native to the Himalayas, Lilium nepalense thrives best in cool, humus-rich soil that stays moist but well drained. It appreciates dappled shade and a little shelter from strong wind, echoing the conditions of its mountain home. Given the right spot, it will naturalise gracefully, sending up fresh stems each year and slowly forming a colony of these captivating blooms. With its exotic flair and sculptural poise, Lilium nepalense brings a quietly dramatic note to the summer garden—perfect for those who favour the rare and remarkable.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Choose full sun or partial shade with rich, well-drained soil. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose or soil-based compost with added horticultural grit.
Plant bulbs pointed side upwards, 15–20cm deep and 15–20cm apart. Arrange them in groups of three to five for a generous, natural-looking display.
Water after planting, then keep the soil evenly moist once growth appears. Avoid waterlogging, particularly while the bulbs are dormant, and never let containers dry out completely.
Add stakes when planting taller varieties to avoid damaging the bulbs later. Remove faded flowers, but allow stems and foliage to yellow naturally before cutting them back.
- Botanical name
- Lilium nepalense
- Flower colour
- Green, yellow, maroon, red
- Bulb size
- 1
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 9 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Damp - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost
Stony - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.