A bulb that has been in the hands of collectors for many years, Notholirion are related to the Lilies, the flowers do look similar, however Notholirion species have a distinct charm. They make an interesting addition to the bulb collection.
Rarely offered for sale in Australia, they do appear every few years in some specialist bulb catalogues.
Notholirion are a bulb native to the Himalayas and surrounding regions. Like a lily but monocarpic like cardiocrinums Notholirion do well in part shade.
All species have flowers that appear on tall spikes up to 1m in height.
Notholirion species
- N. thomsonianum – Known variously as ‘Thompsoms Lily’ and ‘Himalayan Rose’, very soft lilac pink flowers.
- N. campanulatum – Attractive deep pink to red flowers.
- N. macrophyllum – Softb lilac flowers
- N. bulbiferum – Very pale lilac flowers.
These three are the best known species. N. campanulatum is very difficult to find in Australia
Species differ in growth habit, some are summer growing others are winter growing. All form bulblets and over time will form a clump.
N. thomsonianum is a Chinese species, it grows in winter and is suited to our climate. Flowers are a pale lilac on tall spikes to around 1m in height.
Care
Notholirion do best in a humus rich soil in part shade. Bulbs need to planted fairly deep for best flowering, look at 10 cm deep for best results.
A well drained position is best.