Showy lily
Lilium speciosum
Family: Liliaceae
What it is like
A bulb plant. It grows 1.2-1.8 m high and 25-30 cm wide. It roots from the stem. There are usually 12 flowers per stem. They are outward facing or nodding and on long stems. They are white or pink and and can be pink to crimson at the centre. The segments have wavy edges. The tips turn back. The surface is warty with purple projections.
There are about 100 Lilium species.
Where it is found
It can tolerate light frosts. They need mild climates. The require lime free soil. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Europe, Japan, Taiwan
How it is used for food
The bulbs are eaten raw or dried.
Edible parts
Root, bulb
How it is grown
Plants are grown from small bulbs or bulb scales. They can be grown from seed but seedlings take 4 years to flower.