Pyrenean Lily
lilium pyrenaicum
Also known as: ["Yellow Lily","Turk's Cap Lily"]
Overview
A perennial bulbous plant native to the Pyrenees and other mountainous regions, known for its bright yellow, Turk's cap-shaped flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Lilium |
| Botanical Name: | Lilium pyrenaicum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with good air circulation, sheltered from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or diseased foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidiness and removing spent blooms.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to dappled light in hotter climates to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak afternoon heat; for indoor placement, use a south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even light exposure; use reflective surfaces to enhance light; monitor for signs of sunburn or etiolation.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging, especially in winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a bulb-specific mix; avoid waterlogged conditions; amend heavy soils with organic matter.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights; avoid extreme heat or frost.
Monitor temperature fluctuations; use shade cloth in summer; protect from frost in winter.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of bulbs; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity.
- Place in indirect light.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use a mix of peat and sand for stem cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for stem cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 4–6 weeks; bulbs divided in spring will establish in the current growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic bag, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain humidity until roots form; avoid direct sunlight to prevent wilting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks back to the base; trim leaves just above the bulb or at the soil line.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development; trim yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain plant health.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools before use; cut cleanly without tearing; dispose of pruned material to prevent disease spread.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late winter or early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) in diameter; ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift the bulb; remove old soil and inspect for damage; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; beneficial for maintaining vigor and flower production.
Checklist
Choose a new pot with drainage; prepare fresh soil mix; handle bulbs carefully to avoid damage; water sparingly until established.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water begins to drain from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth and flowering, reducing frequency in winter dormancy; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; wilting or browning in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can damage tender tissues; prolonged cold may cause root rot or dormancy issues.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants to sheltered locations; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, flower bud abortion, and leaf scorch; rapid evaporation increases water demand.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer label for NPK ratio; dilute correctly; apply during growing season; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Highly ToxicCats are particularly sensitive to Lilium pyrenaicum, with ingestion leading to severe and potentially fatal kidney failure. Even small amounts can be lethal, and symptoms can develop rapidly after exposure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lilium pyrenaicum can lead to severe poisoning, particularly affecting the kidneys. The toxic compounds in the plant can cause acute kidney injury, which may be fatal if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLilium pyrenaicum contains toxic compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. The plant's toxicity is due to the presence of cardiac glycosides and other irritant substances that affect the digestive and nervous systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lilium pyrenaicum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How should I care for Lilium pyrenaicum?
A: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade, water moderately, and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Q: Does Lilium pyrenaicum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its bright yellow flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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