Formosan Lily
lilium formosanum
Also known as: ["Formosan Lily","Tawain Lily"]
Overview
A tall, elegant lily species native to Taiwan, known for its fragrant, white trumpet-shaped flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Lilium |
| Botanical Name: | Lilium formosanum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny spot, or container with adequate drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- 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 after dormancy ends.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on spent blooms and yellowing foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; rotate pot for even growth; provide shade during peak summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base, avoid wetting foliage, 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).
Use raised beds for drainage, avoid overwatering, amend soil annually.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warmth.
Protect from frost, avoid sudden temperature swings, maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Dilute fertilizer to half strength, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with foliage.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or bulb division; seed propagation is slower but yields more plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium, plant seeds/bulbs, water lightly, provide warmth, monitor growth, transplant when ready.
Best Time: Late summer to early fall for bulb division; spring for seed sowing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions for seeds; bright indirect light for bulb division.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for seeds; moist sand or peat for bulb division.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division; optional for seedlings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Bulb division: immediate growth; seeds: germination in 1–3 months, flowering in 2–3 years.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, pots, well-draining soil, watering can, labels.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds, keep soil consistently moist, protect young plants from harsh conditions.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flowers just above the next bud; cut foliage to ground level after yellowing.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb energy storage; cut back foliage after it yellows and dies back.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, clean scissors.
Checklist
Check for spent blooms, use clean tools, cut at the right angle, dispose of debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer to early fall after flowering and before dormancy.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs, remove old soil, inspect for damage, replant at the same depth in fresh mix.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; beneficial for larger bulbs.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, inspect bulbs, remove old soil, replant at correct depth, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season, avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation, avoid frequent shallow watering, water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in dormancy; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch, stunted growth, bud drop, or premature dormancy.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage in prolonged cold.
Solution: Provide winter protection, move to a sheltered location, mulch around the base, avoid overwatering.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf burn, reduced flowering, and potential dehydration.
Solution: Increase watering, provide afternoon shade, use mulch to retain moisture, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use balanced fertilizer, dilute properly, apply to soil, avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth; reduce or stop in dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Highly ToxicLilium formosanum is extremely toxic to cats, even in small quantities. The plant can cause severe kidney damage, leading to acute renal failure and potentially death. The toxicity is due to specific compounds that are particularly harmful to feline physiology.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicLilium formosanum is highly toxic to dogs, particularly the bulbs, which can cause severe kidney damage and failure. The plant contains toxins that are rapidly absorbed and can lead to acute renal injury.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLilium formosanum 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: Is Lilium formosanum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How tall does the Formosan Lily grow?
A: It can grow up to 2 meters tall.
Q: Does it 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 |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
