Leopard Lily
lilium pardalinum
Also known as: ["Spotted Leopard Lily","Shasta Lily"]
Overview
A tall, showy lily species native to western North America, known for its spotted, trumpet-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 pardalinum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed near water source or in a moist, shaded area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-drained loamy soil with added organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late fall or early winter after foliage dies back.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or damaged parts without drastically reducing foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); partial shade is preferred in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Avoid direct afternoon sun in summer; provide dappled shade in hot climates; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly to reach the root zone, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is never waterlogged; amend heavy soils with organic matter; test pH annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights and can handle brief frosts.
Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations; protect from late frosts; maintain consistent soil moisture in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Apply fertilizer at half-strength to avoid burning roots; fertilize in the morning for better absorption; avoid fertilizing dry soil.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or seed propagation; division is faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs when dormant.
- Replant immediately at the correct depth.
- Water well and mulch.
- For seeds, sow shallowly and keep moist.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer or early fall after foliage dies back; sow seeds in fall for spring germination.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions (70–75°F or 21–24°C) with indirect light for seeds; outdoor conditions for divided bulbs.
Medium
Well-drained potting mix with added perlite or sand for bulb division; sterile seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division; rooting hormone can be used for stem cuttings if attempting alternative methods.
Timeline
Bulbs establish quickly in the first season; seeds may take 2–3 years to flower.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, sterile potting mix, labels, watering can.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding; store seeds in a cool, dry place until sowing.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; trim damaged leaves; avoid cutting healthy green foliage until it naturally dies.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development; cut back foliage only after it has yellowed and died naturally.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; cut back only dead or damaged parts; wait for foliage to yellow before major pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall after flowering and when foliage begins to die back.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring adequate space for bulb growth.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil and inspect for damage; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-drained soil.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or every 3–4 years to refresh soil and prevent disease.
Checklist
Choose a larger pot; use fresh soil mix; replant at the same depth; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing to twice weekly in hot, dry periods; reduce watering after flowering to prevent bulb rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; leaf scorch in intense sun.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can damage foliage; bulbs may rot if soil remains wet and cold.
Solution: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil; mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost with row covers or move containers indoors.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, flower bud abortion, and leaf scorch; rapid water loss stresses the plant.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute to half strength; apply during active growth; stop after flowering.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during active growth; reduce or stop fertilizing after flowering.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Highly ToxicLilium pardalinum 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 toxins specifically target feline kidneys, causing irreversible damage.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicLilium pardalinum 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 damage to renal tissues, necessitating prompt veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLilium pardalinum 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 compounds that interfere with normal physiological processes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lilium pardalinum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How tall does the Leopard Lily grow?
A: It typically grows to 3–6 feet tall.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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