Lilium candidium

Madonna lily, delightful and tough. 

Unlike many other lily varieties, Madonna Lilies bloom early and then undergo summer dormancy. The plant forms a green, leafy rosette in autumn, remains green over winter, and shoots up its tall floral stalk in the spring. 

Inordinately slow to increase and even slower from seed... if mine have seeded  I have yet to find any. My bulbs have been with me, more of less the same number for 25 years. So at least they are as tough as old boots. Mine are in the shelter of a hedge so short of water, but not too wet in winter.  Seedlings coming on . 

One only, 3cm across. 

photograph of an abandoned house and window boxes. Berat castel, Albania. Thanks to Oron Peri, plant tour guide and grower of bulbs and seed supplier. Seeds of Peace.