Lilies

🇮🇹 The National Flower of Italy

A brief introduction

Native to the Northern Hemisphere, Lilies are known in Greek mythology as having come from the milk of the goddess Hera, the same milk that created our galaxy and stars. There are around 100 species, and all of them with their own beauty and characteristics, are a favorite among many people. It is also associated with royalty and is a frequently used emblem in the form of a blue shield with yellow "spears" representing the flower lily.

Popular varieties

Asiatic Lilies - Known for their strong contrasts and large, colorful flower heads, they are one of the easier flowers to grow. A good flower to start with if you are new.

Trumpet Lily - As the name suggests, it is named for its large trumpet-shaped flowers. They have a very strong scent and have a very tall stem. Perfect for bouquets or flower arrangements.

History & Culture

Lilies span many ancient cultures and have an enriching, meaningful history. They appear in everything from ancient Greece to ancient Egypt, from medieval Europe to the classical Chinese Empire. The white lily was of great importance to ancient Egypt. Associated with purity and rebirth. They are often placed in tombs and temples. Another enriched history of lilies can be found in ancient Greece, where they were strongly associated with Hera, the Queen of the Gods. Lilies are said to have come from the milk of Hera herself and have therefore gained a strong connection to protection and creation. During the Middle Ages, lilies became a revered religious symbol, especially the Madonna lily, which is associated with the Virgin Mary and became a symbol of purity, heavenly grace and devotion.

Geographical Distribution

Lilies natural habitats are found around the temperate region along the northern hemisphere, through Asia, North America and Europe. Most lilies you find today are hybrids but there are many natural ones that have adapted to a variety of environments. Some thrive best on the coast, others in cooler mountainous areas and some thrive best in warmer places. Here are two examples of how different their growing conditions can be. First up are meadow lilies or grassland lilies. They grow in open landscapes with lots of sun. These lilies have adapted to cope with stronger temperature differences and prefer soil with good drainage. In addition to meadows you will find these in more mountainous areas. Then you have woodland lilies. These are adapted to more subdued, shady, sunlight and prefer moist soil. These grow more in the spring when the leaves do not block the sunlight and become dormant when the summer heat arrives.

Soil

Make sure the soil is moist. Lilies thrive in soil that has good drainage that ensures they are not waterlogged. This is crucial to support the bulb and help it bloom strongly. A mixture of sand, silt and clay produces a good loamy soil mix. A perfect match to retain moisture but still not drown the flower. They prefer soil with a slightly more acidic and neutral pH value, the best ratio is between 6.0 and 6.5.

Watering

Water your lilies regularly, especially during the dry season. But avoid watering above the flower to prevent fungal diseases. Water about 1 to 2 times a week depending on how warm your room is. Always let it dry out between each watering. You can use fertilizer in early spring and then again before the flowering period. Lilies thrive best in 40-60% humidity.

Light

Lilies can be in full sun, but they do best in sun to partial shade. Make sure they have at least 6 hours of sun each day. This is to optimize the best blooming condition. Their ideal temperature is about 15-25°C, but they can tolerate up to 34°C. Morning sun is beneficial for lilies as it can help dry out the dew and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Lilies that cannot tolerate too much sun should be placed where there is shade in the afternoon.

Care

Avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content, as they can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. A balanced high phosphorus fertilizer is more beneficial for promoting large flowers. Add a layer of mulch to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. As lilies can grow tall, we recommend using support, such as a stake, to prevent them from tipping over. Alternatively, group the lilies so they can use each other as natural support.

Good for pollinators: No

Toxic to pets: Yes

Fragrant: Yes

Care difficulty: Normal