Lilium Butter Pixie - Lily

Lilium 'Butter Pixie' is part of a new series of Asiatic lilies selected in the U.S.A. for their small size and floribundity, they are particularly suited for growing in pots on the terrace or balcony. Their short stems bear at least 8 flowers and bloom for 4 weeks. The 'Butter Pixie' variety has star-shaped, bright yellow flowers, slightly speckled in the centre, highlighted by dark green foliage. This bulbous plant is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained moist soil. It is also a very attractive border plant and an excellent cut flower.

The genus Lilium belongs to the family of Liliaceae, its representatives are bulbous plants which are generally very resistant to cold in soils that do not retain excessive water in winter. The 'Pixie' lilies are very recent hybrids. They were obtained by crossing various Asiatic species, including the vigorous and accommodating Lilium longiflorum. 'Butter Pixie' is a bulbous plant that spends the winter resting underground. Its growth starts around April, producing a leafy stem. It will reach approximately 40 cm (16in) high when in bloom, and the clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the bulbs producing bulblets through vegetative multiplication. Its spectacular flowering takes place from mid-June to mid-July, depending on the climate. Along the leafy stems, a minimum of 8 flowers up to 8 cm (3in) in diameter appear on a mature plant. They are a sunny yellow, dotted with small dark spots at the throat. The stems are covered with alternate, spiralled, dark green, narrow and shiny leaves.

This lily thrives and increases year after year in any light and fertile, well-drained soil, enriched with compost or potting soil. You can grow it with low perennial plants as it likes having its base in the shade. 'Butter Pixie' can be planted in pots alongside blue lobelias or nemesis for example. It can also be used in borders, in small groups among other perennials such as campanulas, daylilies, nigellas, cosmos... It will also go well with compact blue or white agapanthus in full sun. Creeping phlox, aubrietas or silver baskets will cover its base with an elegant carpet. This small lily is ideal for borders, and of course, in bouquets.