Lilium Cobra ('Zantricob') (VIIa/b)

RHS Plant Profile
lily [Cobra]
lily [Cobra] RHS

Synonyms

Lilium 'Zantricob'

Bulbs

A bulbous perennial with erect stems to 1.2m tall bearing dark green leaves and, in summer, upward-facing, fragrant, dark red flowers with a thin white edge to each petal

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

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

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
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
Trade
Horticultural Group
Division VIIa lilies have large, strongly fragranced trumpet-shaped flowers in bright colours

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil enriched with leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter; ideal in patio pots, see growing lilies in containers for further information

Propagation

Propagate by offsets after the foliage dies down

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required; tidy by deadheading spent flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to lily beetle, aphids and slugs; plants in pots are vulnerable to vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds and a virus. See lily diseases