Wood Lily
lilium philadelphicum
Also known as: ["Phillylilium","Philadelphia Lily"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with showy, orange-red flowers and a native range across North America.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Lilium |
| Botanical Name: | Lilium philadelphicum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in partial shade, protected from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Loamy, fertile soil with good drainage; amended with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; remove dead leaves as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidiness and bulb health.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates dappled light in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pot for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; monitor for leaf scorch.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Test soil pH annually; avoid heavy clay soils; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); thrives in cooler climates with protection from extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize lightly after planting; avoid fertilizing during dormancy; water before and after applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation or division of bulbs; seeds may take 2–3 years to flower.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium.
- Plant seeds or divide bulbs.
- Maintain consistent moisture.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer or early fall; sow seeds in fall for stratification.
Environment
Warm (65–70°F or 18–21°C), high humidity, and indirect light for seedlings; bulbs prefer cooler conditions (50–60°F or 10–15°C).
Medium
Well-draining seed-starting mix or bulb propagation mix with perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division; optional for seedlings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Bulbs establish in 1–2 months; seeds germinate in 1–3 months with cold stratification.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, sterile potting mix, rooting trays, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Label seedlings; use sterile tools to prevent disease; provide bottom heat for faster germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; cut foliage back after it yellows or dies naturally.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb energy storage; trim dead foliage in fall.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; avoid cutting into bulb.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall after flowering ceases.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining mix.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; best when bulbs outgrow their container.
Checklist
Inspect roots for damage; use fresh soil mix; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning or late evening; ensure proper drainage.
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.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter dormancy; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure aeration with organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in excessive heat; slow growth or root rot in cold, damp conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause root damage, especially in poorly drained soil.
Solution: Provide winter mulch for insulation; avoid overwatering in cold weather; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf burn, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun hours; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce feeding in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Highly ToxicCats are particularly sensitive to Lilium philadelphicum, with ingestion of any part of the plant potentially leading to severe, life-threatening toxicity. The plant contains compounds that are highly nephrotoxic to cats, often resulting in acute kidney failure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lilium philadelphicum can lead to severe toxicity, particularly affecting the kidneys. The plant contains compounds that are nephrotoxic, potentially causing acute kidney injury and failure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLilium philadelphicum contains toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. The plant's toxicity is primarily due to the presence of certain alkaloids and other bioactive compounds that disrupt normal physiological functions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lilium philadelphicum toxic to pets?
A: Reliable information on toxicity to pets is not available.
Q: How does Lilium philadelphicum grow?
A: It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
