Lilium, Genus, speciosum, Species,
- Genus & species
Showy Japanese lily
Overview
Lilium speciosum is a bulbous perennial in the family Liliaceae, native to Japan, Taiwan, and southern China. Stems are erect, 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m) tall, unbranched, and arise from a bulb 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) across that also produces roots along the buried portion of the stem. Leaves are alternate, lance-shaped to ovate, 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) long, dark green, with prominent parallel veins. Flowers are fragrant, pendulous to outward-facing, 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) across, with strongly recurved white petals marked with pink to crimson blotches and raised papillae toward the center; 4–10 flowers open in a raceme in August and September. Fruit is a three-chambered capsule holding flat, winged seeds. Plants are hardy in USDA zones 5–8. Soils are acidic, moist, and well-drained, and the bulbs rot in poorly drained soil or in alkaline, limy soil. Plants are susceptible to lily viruses and to feeding by Lilioceris lilii, and stems above 3 feet (0.9 m) fall over in wind and heavy rain.
Native Range
Native to Japan (Shikoku and Kyushu), Taiwan, and southern China, where it grows in mountain woodlands and on grassy slopes. Grown in temperate gardens and as a cut flower outside its native range.Suggested Uses
Used in woodland borders, mixed perennial beds, and as a cut flower, planted in groups of three to five bulbs. Flowers open in late summer, when few other lilies are in bloom. Susceptibility to virus and beetle damage and to waterlogged soil limits reliability in some gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowers open from August to September, later than most garden lilies. Individual flowers last 5–7 days, and the raceme remains in flower for 3–4 weeks as buds open in succession from the base. Flowers are strongly fragrant in the evening. Bulbs flower in the second or third year after planting.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with pink to crimson blotchesFoliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-6 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
Growth is steadiest in part sun to light shade, with 4–6 hours of direct sun and shaded roots, in moist, well-drained, acidic soil of pH 5.5–6.5 that is high in organic matter. Bulbs are planted 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) deep in autumn or early spring, spaced 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart. Water is applied at 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week during growth, and soil is not allowed to remain waterlogged. Cold hardiness is USDA zones 5–8. A 2-inch (5 cm) layer of mulch keeps the soil cool and moist. All parts of the plant are toxic to cats.Pruning
Spent flowers are removed after petals drop to prevent seed capsule formation. Stems are cut to the ground after the foliage yellows in late autumn, and at least one-third of the stem is left in place until then to feed the bulb. Tall stems are staked in exposed sites. Old clumps are divided every 3–4 years in early autumn.Pruning Schedule
Prune: October–November
fall
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
