Madonna Lily
lilium candidum
Also known as: ["Madonna Lily","White Lily"]
Overview
A perennial bulbous plant with fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Lilium |
| Botanical Name: | Lilium candidum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- 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.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late summer/early fall if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light (removing spent flowers); moderate (removing yellowed foliage if necessary).
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to dappled light in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; provide shade during extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid direct sun on blooms.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency in winter
Water deeply to encourage root growth; avoid waterlogging to prevent bulb rot; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a bulb-specific mix; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid waterlogged soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); prefers cooler nights (50–60°F or 10–15°C) during dormancy.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing during dormancy; apply to moist soil to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or scaling (dividing bulb scales); seeds take longer but produce more genetically diverse plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy scales.
- Plant scales cut side down.
- Keep moist.
- Wait for roots to form.
- Transplant when bulbs develop.
Best Time: Late summer to early fall for scaling; seeds can be sown in autumn or spring.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and indirect light for scaling; cooler (50–60°F or 10–15°C) for seed stratification.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand for scaling; seedlings prefer a mix of loam and sand.
Hormone
Not necessary for scaling; rooting hormone can aid seed germination.
Timeline
Scaling: roots in 8–12 weeks; bulbs in 1–2 years; seeds: germination in 1–3 months, flowering in 3–5 years.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting medium, plastic bags for humidity, pots.
Quick Tips
Use only healthy scales; maintain consistent moisture; protect from direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; trim foliage only when fully yellowed.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development; cut back foliage only after it has yellowed and died back naturally.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; wait for foliage to die back; use clean tools; avoid cutting green foliage.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer to early fall after flowering and before dormancy.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it is at least 6 inches deep to accommodate bulb growth.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; inspect for rot; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; necessary to refresh soil and prevent bulb rot.
Checklist
Check bulb health; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; plant at correct depth.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, avoiding foliage; ensure water penetrates the root zone; allow excess to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth; reduce frequency in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, bud drop, or premature flowering.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or bulb rot if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C) without protection.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; ensure good air circulation to prevent rot; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or premature bulb dormancy if temperatures exceed 85°F (29°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply to moist soil.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2–4 weeks during active growth (spring to early summer); cease fertilizing in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Highly ToxicLilium candidum is extremely toxic to cats, even in small quantities. Ingestion can lead to rapid onset of acute kidney failure, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. The plant contains compounds that are particularly nephrotoxic to felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicLilium candidum is highly toxic to dogs, with ingestion leading to acute kidney failure and other severe health complications. The plant contains nephrotoxic compounds that cause significant damage to renal tissues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLilium candidum 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 disrupt normal physiological functions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lilium candidum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Lilium candidum?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Lilium candidum require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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