Lily

Also known as: Lily

Lilies are bulbous perennial plants with erect stems bearing whorled or scattered leaves. They produce showy, trumpet-shaped or recurved flowers in a wide range of colors including white, yellow, pink, red, and orange, often with spotted or striped patterns. The flowers are typically borne in racemes or umbels at the top of the stem, and many varieties are highly fragrant. With heights ranging from 0.5 to 2 meters, lilies are prized for their elegant form and vibrant summer display, making them essential in herbaceous borders and cutting gardens.

Scientific classification

Species: Lily (Lilium)
Genus: Information to be completed
Family: Liliaceae

All parts of the lily are highly toxic to cats, causing acute kidney failure; mild toxicity to humans and dogs if ingested in large quantities.
Toxicity: Bulbs · Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type: 0.6 - 1.8 metres
Height: 0.3 - 0.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Upright
Habit: Summer
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Lily pictures

Distribution of Lily

Distribution map

Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

All parts of the lily are highly toxic to cats, causing acute kidney failure; mild toxicity to humans and dogs if ingested in large quantities.

Quick identification of Lily

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Lily care guide

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged

Fertilizing

Every 2 weeks during growing season until flowering

Pruning

Remove spent flower heads promptly to prevent seed formation, but leave the stems and leaves to die back naturally. Cut down dead foliage in autumn or early winter.

Propagation

Lilies can be propagated by dividing offsets in autumn, or by scaling—removing healthy scales from the bulb and planting them in moist compost at 20°C to produce small bulbils. Seeds may also be used for species, but require cold stratification and take 2-4 years to flower.

Growing

Plant lily bulbs in autumn or spring in well-drained, fertile loam enriched with organic matter. Position them in full sun with the base of the bulbs shaded by mulch or low plants to keep roots cool. Water regularly during the growing season, especially in dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks from spring until flowering begins. After flowering, remove spent heads and allow foliage to die back naturally. In cold regions, apply a winter mulch to protect bulbs from frost. Lily bulbs are best lifted and divided every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.

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Common pests and diseases

Diseases

Lilies are susceptible to botrytis blight (grey mould) in wet conditions, as well as basal rot (Fusarium) and viral diseases such as lily mosaic virus. Good air circulation and well-drained soil reduce risks.

Pests

Common pests include aphids, red lily beetles, slugs, and snails. Red lily beetles and their larvae can cause severe defoliation and should be handpicked or controlled with appropriate insecticides.

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