perennial

Coral Lily

The Story

Plant Bio

Lilium pumilum is a bulbous perennial known for its slender, upright stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves. It produces nodding, bell-shaped flowers that are typically orange or red with dark spots, blooming in summer.

This species is admired for its dainty, nodding, Turk's cap-like flowers with strongly recurved petals.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright, cheerful blooms add vibrant color to gardens in early summer.

Low-maintenance perennial that thrives in well-drained soil.

Provides nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Siberia, Mongolia, China, Korea

Toxicity

Toxic to cats

Bloom period

Early summer – Late summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck bulbs 4 inches deep in well-draining soil.
Water regularly during first growing season.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Stake taller varieties for support.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years for renewal.

Pro Tip

Plant in well-drained soil with full sun for best blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water during dry spells to keep soil moist 🌱
Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms
Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Don't

Overwater to prevent bulb rot ❌
Plant too deep or too shallow
Use heavy clay soil without amendment

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vivid border accentWildflower meadow edge

Companion Plants

CoreopsisLavender Echinacea Salvia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coral Lily questions

What zones can Coral Lily grow in?

Coral Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Coral Lily deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Coral Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Coral Lily bloom?

Coral Lily typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Coral Lily need full sun?

Coral Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.