Quick Guide: summer, hardy, sun/ semi-shade, height: 60cm-2.1m/2-7ft, width: 15-30cm/6-12in

The many hybrid lilies raised from species are broadly grouped as Asiatic, European or American, and include countless stunning varieties.

GROWING Plant from autumn to spring about 15cm/6in deep depending on size. Lilies like well-drained soil enriched with well-rotted organic matter and a sheltered, sunny site.

PROPAGATION In spring or autumn, scrape away earth from the dormant bulbs and gently remove healthy scales. Replace the soil. Place scales at an angle in boxes of peat and sand to half their depth. Set in a cold frame at 10°C/50°F. New bulbs form at the base of the scales. When shoots form on these tiny bulbils, pot them up in compost and transfer to an open frame or sheltered bed. Transplant to permanent positions 2-3 years later.

HYBRIDS `Orange Triumph' (above), from L. x hollandicum (formerly L. x umbellatum), upright cup-shaped flowers. The Mid-Century group, to 1.5m/5ft, includes 'Cinnabar', maroon; `Joan Evans', bright yellow; `Valencia', soft orange. The fine American Bellingham hybrids reach up to 2.1m/7ft and include 'Royal Favorite', Chinese yellow speckled deep red. `Parkmanni' is an outstanding American lily with open, very fragrant flowers up to 30cm/12in in diameter, crimson inside, rose outside, tinged green and white.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Basal rot; lily disease.