Lilium Crimson Pixie - Lily

Lilium 'Crimson Pixie' is part of a new series of Asiatic lilies selected for their small size and abundant flowering. They are particularly well-suited for pots to decorate the terrace or balcony. Their short stems, which bear at least 8 flowers, remain in full bloom for 4 weeks. The 'Crimson Pixie' variety has star-shaped flowers in bright carmine red, highlighted by dark green foliage. This bulbous plant is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained moist soil. It is also a very attractive border plant and an excellent cut flower.

The genus Lilium belongs to the Lily family, its representatives are bulbous plants which are generally very cold-resistant in soils that do not retain excessive water in winter. The 'Pixie' lilies are very recent hybrids. They were obtained by cross-breeding various Asian species, including the vigorous and accommodating Lilium longiflorum. 'Crimson Pixie' is a bulbous plant that rests underground during the winter. Its vegetation starts around April, producing a leafy stem. It will reach a height of about 40 cm (16in) when in flower, and the clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the bulbs producing bulblets through vegetative multiplication. Its spectacular flowers appear from mid-June to mid-July, depending on the climate. Along the leafy stems, trumpet-shaped flowers up to 8 cm (3in) in diameter appear on a mature plant. They are a beautiful red, enhanced by the satin-like substance of the petals. The throat of the flower is slightly darker and speckled with small brown spots. The stems are covered with alternate, spiralled, dark green, narrow and glossy leaves.

This lily thrives year after year in light and fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or potting soil. You can grow it with low-growing perennial plants as it likes having its feet in the shade. 'Crimson Pixie' can be planted in a pot with blue lobelias or nemesis, for example. It can also be used in borders, in small groups with other perennials like bellflowers, daylilies, love-in-a-mist, cosmos... It will also look good with compact blue or white agapanthus in full sun. Creeping phlox, aubrietas or silver mound will cover its base with an elegant carpet. This small lily is ideal for borders, and of course, for bouquets.