Tom Thumb Lily

Up to 50, striking scarlet flowers open in a season, The plants are lovely and compact so will fit pretty much anywhere and can even be grown in pots – so long as you don’t forget to water them! Each bloom is around 5cm across and has a soft, sweet perfume.

The flowers open from early summer, so just in time for Christmas. It is quick to establish and will be around for years, getting better with each passing season.

It holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, so you can be assured it has been put through its paces. It likes cool roots and is best in a part shade to morning sun position.

Lilium pumilum is also known under the botanical name Lilium tenuifolium. Other common names are Coral Lily, Nankeen Lily, Low Lily, Turk’s Cap Lily and Siberian Lily. The narrow leaves grow in whorls along the stem.

Simply plant, fertilise and enjoy. Leave them in the ground to establish and they will bring you years of joy. Choose a humus rich, well drained soil in a sunny location. They will appreciate afternoon shade in warmer climates. Keep moist while in growth and fertilise at the start of the season and again as the flowers are finishing. Mulching over the summer will help good maintain moisture levels in the soil.