Lilium

An marvellous range of colour, pattern and flower shape, from large funnel-like flowers of L. regale to the more dainty Turk's cap of L. martagon. Often scented. Bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves, whorled or spiralling up the stem. Preferring an open position, or very light, part shade, in a good, enriched soil. Interestingly the 100+ species are spread across North America, Europe, Asia, but entirely absent from the Southern Hemisphere. All parts are toxic to cats.

The flowers of all lily species are rich in nectar, attracting bumblebees and wasps to pollinate them, and pollen on the large, exposed anthers is eaten by hoverflies.  Unfortunately, the whole plant is also eaten by lily beetles: they may be beautiful but they are destructive and can make it simply impossible to grow the plant successfully. But you will never know until you try...! And if you want to try and live with them, then there are some organic methods that should effect a degree of control, without poisoning the planet. There are no Lilium species native to Britain and Ireland, although L. martagon (usually pink) and L. pyrenaicum (yellow) are now well-established in the wild, including sometimes in natural woodland habitats.