Lilium davidii (David’s Lily)

Very cold-hardy, Lilium davidii (David’s Lily) is an erect bulbous perennial lily with an unbranched stem bearing scattered linear leaves. From mid to late summer, striking pendant to nodding flowers, 2 in. long (6 cm), ranging in color from red to reddish-orange, are loosely arranged in a showy raceme. Resembling a Turk’s cap with sepals and petals reflexed, the ravishing blossoms are adorned with a profusion of reddish to maroon spots. Six exerted stamens add further appeal. Fertile flowers produce seed capsules, which contain numerous small flattened seeds. These are wind dispersed when the capsule opens. Amazingly decorative, Lilium davidii is quite prolific as mature bulbs can produce up to 20 blossoms per stem. Native to the mountainous regions of Western China, it is well suited to the garden. It is sometimes cultivated as a food crop in China. Coming back year after year, this lily variety is an eye-catching addition to the garden.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in moist, fertile, acidic to neutral well-drained soils. 
• Propagated using bulb scales or offsets or seed.
• Bulbs should be planted 6-8 in. deep (15-20 cm) in early to mid-fall in cool temperate areas, as late as late fall in warmer areas.
• Toxic to cats (though not for dogs or any known species).
• This Lily is a member of the Species and cultivars of species Division (IX) which includes all species and their subspecies, varieties, forms, and cultivars selected therefrom (excluding those derived from formosanum, longiflorum, philippinense, and wallichianum). There are 9 different types of lilies classified by the Royal Horticultural Society. And they are all real eye-catchers!
• Native to Eastern Asia: China in Gansu, Guizhou, Henan, W Hubei, S Shaanxi, Shanxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan.