Lilium auratum

GOLD BAND LILY, GOLDEN-RAYED LILY
syn. Lilium 'Gold Band'
Family: Liliaceae
Pronounced: LEE-lee-um

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Japan.
Plant Group:
Bulbs.

Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All.
USDA zones: 5-8.
Heat zones: 8-1.
Mature size:
Height: 3 feet (1 m).
Flowering period:
July/August.
Flowering attributes:
Side-facing flowers with a spicy fragrance, with white petals edged with gold band, and very few, if any, spots.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Sandy to humus rich, moist, well-drained, neutral to acidic soil.
Feeding:
Do not fertilize or use lime around these bulbs.
Propagation Methods:
As soon as the foliage dies back, dig bulbs and remove scales, bulbils and offsets from bulb; immediately replant.
Pruning Methods:
Remove dried stems only after foliage dies back.
Pests and Diseases:
Slugs may be a problem when plants begin growth in spring.

 

Rainy Side Notes

In Japan, Lilium auratum is called Yama yuri which means mountain lily. Platyphyllum is thought to be a variant of L. auratum without the spots. My sources say either one can have the spots. The auratum species looks like a hybrid oriental lily; however, it is one of 15 lilies indigenous to Japan. Much sought after, some are still found growing in the volcanic ash of extinct volcanoes in Izu Shoto, a small group of islets in Japan.

In ancient times, the Japanese considered lilies a sacred plant. When cooked, it is a sweet edible bulb that is used like a vegetable. Personally, I would have a hard time harvesting these beautiful plants just to eat them.

Larger bulbs will give 3-5 buds per plant. They make a great cut flower.

Cut flowers when the first flower is first opening. The flower lasts from 5-9 days in the vase. Pull the pollen sacks off when the flower opens to keep pollen from staining linens beneath the vase. If pollen should get on clothes or linens, let it dry before wiping it off. If wiped when wet the pollen will stain.

To grow these lily species well, use a thin layer of mulch. Too much mulch encourages stem rooting.

More Liliums.

Photographed in author's garden.