Lilium pardanthinum

Lilium pardanthinum lacks an English common name. It is an herbaceous perennial with an overwintering bulb. It is a member of the lily family (Liliaceae) and is native to central China at high elevations between 9000 and 13,000 feet. The meaning of the specific epithet is said to be from the Greek compound for “leopard flower,” an allusion to the spots on the tepals, but Greek dictionaries are silent on this subject.

This lily presents a challenge to grow. In order to thrive, it must be in sites that mimic its natural habitat in the mountains of China, where it receives abundant light (especially morning sun) for at least half the day, cool temperatures throughout the year and a long winter rest under snow. The bulbs are small, an inch or so long, loosely covered with white scales. The bulb should be planted 4 inches deep in humus-rich soil. To ensure success, protect the bulb from heat by mulching thickly and planting with shade-giving herbaceous perennials, such as bergenias, helebores, heucheras or brunneras. Propagation is by seeds.

The flowers of Lilium pardanthinum are strikingly beautiful, driving gardeners to great lengths to accommodate these prima donnas in the garden. 

This bulbous plant is for the advanced horticulturist in an Asian, cottage or shade garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Watch for aphids and mites.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Lilium.