bulb corm tuber

Mrs R O Backhouse Lily

Lilium x marhan 'Mrs R O Backhouse'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lilium x marhan 'Mrs R O Backhouse' is a perennial bulbous plant celebrated for its elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush, strap-like leaves, typically displaying a refined and upright growth habit.

This cultivar is distinguished by its large, fragrant, apricot-orange flowers with darker speckling, making it a striking addition to floral arrangements and garden borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds vertical elegance and fragrant blooms to garden borders.

Low maintenance with pest resistance makes it ideal for busy gardeners.

Supports pollinators like bees and hummingbirds with abundant nectar.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

48 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia and Europe

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested, handle with care

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck bulbs 6 inches deep into well-draining soil
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy
Plant in a sunny to partly shaded spot
Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature
Fertilize with a balanced bulb fertilizer in fall
Remove spent flowers to promote healthy growth

Pro Tip

Plant bulbs in fall for best spring blooms, ensure good drainage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water during dry periods 🌱
Apply mulch annually
Fertilize in fall and early spring
Deadhead spent flowers

Don't

Overwater, which can cause rot ❌
Plant too deep
Neglect mulching
Allow soil to dry out completely

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Pest Check
Plant
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tall floral accent in bordersFragrant cut flower displayPest-resistant garden feature

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Daylilies Alliums Echinacea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mrs R O Backhouse Lily questions

What zones can Mrs R O Backhouse Lily grow in?

Mrs R O Backhouse Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mrs R O Backhouse Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Mrs R O Backhouse Lily bloom?

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

Does Mrs R O Backhouse Lily need full sun?

Mrs R O Backhouse Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.