Lilium nanum
Klotzsch.
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Morten Ross, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Morten Ross
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Morten Ross, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Morten Ross
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Panayoti Kelaidis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Panayoti Kelaidis
Description
Lilium nanum is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in 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 and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Bulb - cooked. The bulb is up to 23mm in diameter. Rich in starch, it can be used as a vegetable in similar ways to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum).
Distribution
E. Asia - Himalayas to W. China
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Sichuan Sheng, Xizang Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng) TROPICAL ASIA: Bhutan, India (Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh), Nepal, Myanmar
Cultivation
Prefers an open free-draining humus-rich loamy soil with its roots in the shade and its head in the sun. This species grows well in areas such as Scotland with cool summers, it dislikes areas with warm summers. 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.
