Regal Lily
lilium regale
Also known as: ["Royal Lily","Regal Lily"]
Overview
A deciduous, herbaceous bulbous perennial with large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in white with a yellow base and purple spots.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Lilium |
| Botanical Name: | Lilium regale |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with good air circulation, protected from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- 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; a mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; remove dead foliage as needed throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or spent parts without drastically cutting back the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates; adjust for seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching; provide shade during peak afternoon sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter direct sun; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid waterlogging, and ensure the soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; cooler temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C) promote better flowering; tolerates mild heat but dislikes extreme fluctuations.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain moderate warmth for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; switch to low-nitrogen formula as blooms fade; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or scaling bulbs; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone (optional), plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or a commercial bulb propagation mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is beneficial but not strictly necessary for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 4–6 weeks; bulb scales can take 6–12 months to form small bulbs.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or scissors, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
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 energy storage; trim yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain plant health.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers, cut back yellowing leaves, sanitize tools, avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, just before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the bulb, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the bulb outgrows its container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size, use fresh soil mix, inspect roots, water sparingly after repotting, place in suitable light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, reduce winter watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone without wetting the foliage; allow excess water to drain completely to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the soil surface feels dry to the touch, typically every 7–10 days during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks.
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 burn in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; wilting in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or flower bud abortion; prolonged cold may lead to dormancy or death.
Solution: Protect from frost with mulch or move indoors; maintain consistent temperatures above 50°F (10°C); avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can scorch leaves, wilt foliage, and reduce flowering; may cause premature bulb dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; ensure adequate watering to combat heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2–4 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); cease fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Highly ToxicLilium regale is extremely toxic to cats, even in small quantities. Ingestion can lead to acute renal failure, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. The plant's toxicity in cats is well-documented and requires immediate veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicLilium regale is highly toxic to dogs, with ingestion leading to acute kidney failure and other severe health complications. The toxic compounds in the plant can cause rapid and significant damage to renal tissues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLilium regale 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 certain alkaloids and other bioactive substances that disrupt normal physiological functions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Lilium regale grow?
A: It typically grows to 4–6 feet tall.
Q: Does Lilium regale require staking?
A: Yes, due to its height and large flowers, staking is often recommended.
Q: Is Lilium regale toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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