Bulbs & tubersLilium regale
Regal Lily
The regal lily is a majestic bulb with large, trumpet-shaped white flowers that release a delightfully sweet fragrance. The outside of the petals is tinted soft purple, creating a beautiful contrast with the pure white interior. In July, flowers appear in clusters atop sturdy, upright stems. A must-have for the summer border.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 90–150 cm
- Spread
- 20–30 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–8
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- white
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant bulbs in autumn or early spring at about 15 cm depth in well-drained soil. The regal lily prefers its base in shade and its flowers in sun. Mulch around the base to keep roots cool. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging. Feed in spring with a potassium-rich fertiliser.
Pruning tips
Remove spent flowers but leave the stem and foliage intact until they die back — this feeds the bulb. Cut the dried stem to ground level in autumn. The bulbs do not need lifting and are fully hardy.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
PerennialsNepeta × faassenii
Catmint
Catmint is a tough border plant with grey-green, aromatic foliage and soft blue flower plumes. It blooms from May to September, making it one of the longest-flowering perennials. Bees love the flowers and cats are drawn to the leaves.
PerennialsAlchemilla mollis
Lady's Mantle
Lady's Mantle is a reliable perennial treasured for its beautiful, scalloped leaves that catch dewdrops like tiny pearls. From June to July, clouds of delicate yellow-green flowers appear, making excellent cut flowers. The plant forms attractive, rounded clumps and works beautifully as edging.