Lilium pumilum - Lily

Lilium pumilum, also known as Coral Lily, Dwarf Lily or Lilium tenuifolium, is a botanical species with early and particularly long flowering. This species is one of the smallest in the genus and bears small pendulous, vibrant coral flowers, remarkably shiny and pleasantly scented. It is easy to grow, even in mountain gardens. It is a very hardy plant that naturalises easily in well-drained soil and full sun, making it ideal for rock gardens.

The Coral Lily belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is a species native to Siberia, extending to northern China and North Korea. Its natural habitat is mountains, forest edges, rocky or grassy slopes, and sandy riverbanks. This lily has a compact clump-like habit and will reach a height of 45 to 50 cm (18 to 20in) when in flower, sometimes more depending on the growing conditions. It begins flowering in May and continues until the early summer heat in June. The stems bear 1 to 20 pendulous flowers, approximately 4-5 cm (2in) in diameter and highly scented. The 4 cm (2in) by 1 cm (0in) tepals are reflexed (turban-shaped), waxy and coral red, with a truly shiny texture. The leaves are very narrow and linear, resembling grasses; Lilium pumilum is actually a synonym for L. tenuifolium. The storage organ is a small scaly bulb 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter.

All blue plants contrast wonderfully with the coral red of this small Lily. Non-invasive mountain perennial plants such as delphiniums (Delphinium elatum, Delphinium grandiflorum) or gentians will form a dazzling combination. You can recreate a very natural scene, similar to those seen in Siberian steppes, by combining Coral Lily with delicate Siberian irises, bugloss, Siberian squill, and Perovskia atriciplicifolia. You can also plant it with martagon lilies that like the same growing conditions. It is ideal for borders, rock gardens, and of course, bouquets.