Lilium, Genus, longiflorum, Species,
- Genus & species
Easter lily
Southern Japan (Ryukyu Islands) and Taiwan
Overview
Lilium longiflorum is a bulbous perennial in the lily family (Liliaceae), 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) tall and 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide. Bulbs are white, scaly, and 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in diameter, and stems produce roots above the bulb. Stems are upright and unbranched, with scattered, lance-shaped, glossy dark green leaves 4–7 inches (10–18 cm) long and 0.5–1 inch (13–25 mm) wide. Flowers are trumpet-shaped, white, 5–7 inches (13–18 cm) long, face outward, are borne 1–6 per stem, and are strongly fragrant. Flowers open in June and July outdoors in zones 6–9, and greenhouse-forced plants flower in March and April. Seed capsules are 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) long. Bulbs survive winter temperatures to 0°F (−18°C) in well-drained soil and rot in wet soil. Botrytis blight and lily leaf beetle damage foliage. All parts, including pollen, cause acute kidney failure in cats if eaten.
Native Range
Lilium longiflorum is native to southern Japan, including the Ryukyu Islands, and to Taiwan. It grows on coastal cliffs, grassy slopes, and rocky ground at low elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown in beds, borders, and containers, spaced 12 inches (30 cm) apart, and as a forced potted plant for spring display. Cut stems are used in floral arrangements.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowers open in June and July outdoors, with 1–6 flowers per stem opening over 2–3 weeks. Individual flowers last 5–7 days. Greenhouse-forced plants flower in March and April when bulbs are given 6 weeks of cold treatment at 35–45°F (2–7°C) followed by warm growing conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade with roots shaded by low plants in well-drained loam or sandy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Hardy in USDA zones 6–9. Bulbs are planted 6 inches (15 cm) deep in fall, and plants receive 1 inch (25 mm) of water per week during growth. Potted Easter plants are planted outdoors after flowering, and they flower again in June or July. Botrytis blight develops in wet foliage, and aphids spread lily mosaic virus.Pruning
Spent flowers are removed after they fade to prevent seed set. Stems are cut to the ground after they turn yellow in late summer or fall. Cut flower stems are taken with no more than one-third of the stem length to leave leaves that feed the bulb.Pruning Schedule
Prune: August–September
summerfall
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
