Lilium sargentiae

E.H.Wilson.

Liliaceae Edible: Flowers, Root 17 iNaturalist observations

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Description

Lilium sargentiae is a BULB growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in July, 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 and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Bulb - cooked. The bulb can be up to 6cm in diameter. Rich in starch, it can be used as a vegetable in similar ways to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). Flowers. No more details are given.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Where It Grows

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng (possibly))

Cultivation

Prefers an open free-draining humus-rich loamy soil with its roots in the shade and its head in the sun. Does well on calcareous soils according to some reports whilst others say that it dislikes lime. Dislikes a very peaty soil. Requires a warm growing season with a neutral or alkaline soil. Prefers a sunny position. Does well when grown amongst dwarf shrubs. Except when in very favoured conditions, this plant is best grown in a cool greenhouse in Britain. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts, it is therefore best to site the plant in a position that is sheltered from the morning sun. Stem rooting, the bulbs should be planted 20 - 25cm deep. 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. Plants are said to be very susceptible to botrytis. A very ornamental plant. The flowers have a delicious perfume. 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 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 in 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. Bulbils - gather in late summer when they start to fall off the stems and pot up immediately. Grow on in a greenhouse until large enough to go outside.