Lily "Miss Peculiar"

• Species: lily, Oriental hybrid, Lilium
• Height: about 1–1.2 m (Oriental hybrid group data)
• Flower: large, pink with a pale margin, fragrant
• Flowering: July–August
• Light: sun or light shade, roots shaded
• Soil: loose, well drained, slightly acid, lime-free
• Planting depth: 10–15 cm, about 3 bulb heights
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–5, mulch for winter
• Supplied as: bulb

Planting. Plant bulbs in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) 10–15 cm deep, about three times the bulb height. Choose a sunny site with light moisture at the roots and good drainage; add sand on heavy soil and space bulbs 20–25 cm apart.

Care. Oriental lily roots like shade, so plant low perennials in front or mulch the soil. Stake tall stems and do not cut the foliage after flowering until it yellows, so the bulb can build reserves.

Watering and feeding. Water moderately at the root and avoid standing water that rots the bulb. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring and a potash feed at budding; avoid lime and fresh manure.

Winter and pruning. Cover plantings with 8–10 cm of mulch (USDA zones 4–5). Cut the stem back to ground level once it dies down; when cutting for the vase, leave at least two thirds of the stem with its leaves.