Lilium henryi
Baker.
Henry's lily
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Description
Lilium henryi is a BULB growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Bulb - cooked. The bulb is about 7cm in diameter. A rather bitter flavour. Rich in starch, it can be used as a vegetable in similar ways to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum).
Distribution
E. Asia - C. China in W. Hubeh and Guizhou.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Guizhou Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng)
Cultivation
Prefers an open free-draining humus-rich loamy soil with its roots in the shade and its head in the sun. Prefers a limey soil. Succeeds in acid and limey soils according to one report, whilst another says that it does not tolerate acid soil conditions. A very ornamental plant, it is very easily grown and is one of the most virus-tolerant of lilies. It is also a fast-growing plant, onion-sized flowering bulbs can be obtained in 2 years from seed. The flowers have a pleasant sweet perfume. Early to mid autumn is the best time to plant out the bulbs in cool temperate areas, in warmer areas they can be planted out as late as late autumn. The plant should be protected against rabbits and slugs in early spring. If the shoot tip is eaten out the bulb will not grow in that year and will lose vigour.
Propagation
Seed - immediate epigeal germination. Sow thinly in pots from late winter to early spring in a cold frame. Should germinate in 2 - 4 weeks. Great care should be taken in pricking out the young seedlings, many people prefer to leave them in the seed pot until they die down at the end of their second years growth. This necessitates sowing the seed thinly and using a reasonably fertile sowing medium. The plants will also require regular feeding when in growth. Divide the young bulbs when they are dormant, putting 2 - 3 in each pot, and grow them on for at least another year before planting them out into their permanent positions when the plants are dormant. Division with care in the autumn once the leaves have died down. Replant immediately. Bulb scales can be removed from the bulbs in early autumn. If they are kept in a warm dark place in a bag of moist peat, they will produce bulblets. These bulblets can be potted up and grown on in the greenhouse until they are large enough to plant out.
