Lilium hansonii
Hanson's lily
Korea, far eastern Russia, and Japan
Overview
Lilium hansonii is a bulbous perennial lily reaching 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall, forming clumps over time from thick-scaled bulbs. Leaves are lance-shaped, 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) long, arranged mostly in whorls along the stem. In early summer each stem carries 6-12 nodding, turban-shaped flowers about 2 inches (5 cm) across, with thick, strongly recurved tepals in orange-yellow marked with brown-purple spots toward the center. The flowers are fragrant. Thick tepals make the blooms longer-lasting than thinner-petalled lilies, holding 2-3 weeks. Stems are sturdy and seldom need staking. Unlike many lilies that need full sun, it grows and flowers in light shade. Bulbs are slow to multiply, and clumps build up gradually over several years.
Native Range
Native to Korea, in particular Ulleungdo Island, with populations in far eastern Russia and reported in Japan, where it grows in open woodland, scrub, and grassy slopes.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland gardens, light-shade borders, and naturalistic plantings, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart and 6 inches (15 cm) deep. Combines with shrubs and perennials that shade the root zone. Grown in large containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) with free drainage.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Blooms in early summer, late May to June, ahead of most Asiatic and Oriental lilies. Each clump flowers for 2-3 weeks. Flowering is reduced in deep shade and in the first year after planting.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Orange-yellow with brown-purple spotsFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade in humus-rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The bulbs lack a protective tunic and dry out quickly, so they are planted promptly and kept slightly moist. A mulch keeps the roots cool while the tops receive sun. Lily beetle and gray mold are the main problems. Plants establish slowly and resent disturbance once settled. Clumps can be left in place for many years and lifted only to divide overcrowded bulbs in autumn.Pruning
Remove faded flowers to prevent seed formation and direct energy to the bulb, leaving the stem and leaves to die down naturally. Cut stems to the base only once they have yellowed in autumn. Removing green foliage early weakens the bulb.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons