Lilium pumilum (coral lily, "Itohayuri")

Japanese name: イトハユリ （糸葉百合）
Scientific name: Lilium pumilum

[Overview]
A perennial 15–60 cm tall, growing in grasslands and open woodland.
It has an ovoid to conical bulb 4–5 cm across underground.
The scales are white and only slightly bitter.
The leaves are simple, alternate and densely arranged, needle-shaped, 10 cm long and 2–3 mm wide, with entire margins.
A raceme at the top of the stem bears many nodding flowers 4–5 cm across.
There are 6 tepals, which are strongly reflexed.
The tepals are a deep orange-red with a strong gloss, and there are almost no spots on the inner surface.
The fruit is a capsule.

[History]
It was introduced to Japan around 1910.
It is one of the parents of the Asiatic hybrids.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by scale cuttings.
Plants flower in their second year from seed.
It prefers sunny, well-drained soil rich in humus.
Avoid excess moisture and ensure good drainage and ventilation.
Protect it from cold wind in winter.
For potted plants, water when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, watering is unnecessary unless the soil becomes severely dry.
As a basal fertilizer, apply a slow-release fertilizer mainly of phosphate and potash, and from spring until the flowering period apply a top dressing with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphate and potash.
Pests and diseases include viral disease, rot and aphids.

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