Lilium pardalinum (IXc/d)

RHS Plant Profile
leopard lily

Other common names

panther lily

Synonyms

Lilium pardalinum var. angustifolium

Award of Garden Merit
Bulbs

A robust lily forming a clump of erect stems bearing whorled leaves and several nodding, dark-spotted, orange-red flowers 9cm across, shading to yellow at the centre, in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Liliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten (cats) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Lilium are bulbous perennials with erect stems bearing whorled or spirally arranged leaves and terminal racemes or umbels of bowl-shaped, trumpet-shaped, funnel-shaped or turks cap shaped flowers, often fragrant, and white, yellow, orange or red
Name Status
Correct
Horticultural Group
These include lily species and cultivars of lily species with downward-facing flowers
Plant Range
USA (California, Oregon), N Mexico

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained, moist, soil enriched with leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter. Lime tolerant but not in dry soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown, when ripe, in containers in a cold frame or separate offsets after the foliage dies down

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to lily beetle, aphids, slugs, snails, Thrips, leatherjackets, and wireworms, and to damage by rabbits and voles; plants in containers may be susceptible to vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds and a virus; see lily diseases