Lilium Bulbs - Bulbes de Lis

Lilium is the true lily, native to the Northern Hemisphere from temperate regions to the subtropics. The tall perennial plants grow from bulbs which have contractile roots that pull the bulb deeper into the soil. Lilium produces long lasting substantial flowers, often fragrant, making it an important cut flower crop in the floral industry. Lilium grows in montane woodland, grassland or marshland habitats and some are epiphytes, making them ideal to grow in almost any part of your garden; moderately acidic soil is preferred. Lilium can be propagated by dividing established bulbs, growing adventitious bulbils formed on the stem, scaling whole scales from a mature bulb, by its complex seed germination pattern and by micropropagation tissue culture. The starchy lily bulbs are edible root vegetables used fresh or dried in far East Asian cuisine and traditional medicine and among North American indigenous peoples. Exert caution; true lilies are toxic to cats but deer like to eat them. The Lilium flowering period begins in late spring with some species blooming in late summer and early autumn, plant en masse for a colourful display of aromatic flowers in your garden and in vases all summer long that reliably grows back every year.