Lilium pardalinum

Lilium pardalinum, or Leopard Lily is a botanic species from the west coast of the United States. It flowers in summer, with fragrant and shiny flowers with recurved petals. The colours are stunning, a beautiful reddish-orange, speckled with brown, washed with yellow and salmon pink. This giant is one of the easiest species among the native lilies of California to grow. Much larger than the European Lilium martagon, it can become quite imposing. It is a majestic and underused plant.

This natural lily species is native to California, where it usually grows in wet areas. Lilium pardalinum blooms in July, with sturdy flower stalks reaching a minimum height of 180 cm (71in). A stem can bear a crown of 7 to 10 flowers, 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) in diameter. The leaves are narrow and long, shiny green and deciduous. They are arranged in whorls, sometimes almost spiralled.

The leopard lily and martagon lilies are a classic choice for old-style gardens. They are perfect for woodland edges, well-drained slopes, and slightly wild meadow areas. You can grow these lilies with perennial plants as they appreciate having their base in the shade. They will thrive in moist rock gardens and containers, and bring a very refined touch to bouquets. Be aware that there is another "leopard lily," Belamcanda chinensis, which belongs to the Iridaceae family. Although they should not be confused, nothing is stopping you from appreciating both and growing them in the same garden.