Notholirion thomsonianum
Thomson's lily
N. thompsonianum is a bulbous perennial with narrow, bright green, strap-shaped leaves, up to 45cm at the base, shorter on the stems. The scented, pale lilac-pink, lily-like flowers are produced in spikes of 10 to 30 in early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Notholirion are perennial bulbs with narrowly lance-shaped basal leaves in a tuft, and erect stems bearing racemes of funnel-shaped flowers in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W Himalaya, Afghanistan
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant 10-15cm deep in autumn. Outdoors plant in deep, humus-rich, moist but well drained soil in a sunny position. Provide protection during severe or prolonged frosts. Under glass plant in large containers of loamless potting compost with added leaf mould and sharp sand in bright, filtered light.
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by separating bulblets in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead after flowering and allow foliage to die down naturally
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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