James H. Schutte
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Lilium longiflorum
Plant Common Name
Easter Lily
General Description
The Easter lily is widely admired for its large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers with breathtaking fragrance. This semi-hardy perennial originates from the coastal beaches of southern Japan and Taiwan. Before World War II, American florists imported its bulbs from Japan for spring forcing, but during the war Japanese supplies were cut off—forcing domestic companies to invest in their own production. Since then, U.S. production and marketing have made it the quintessential spring holiday plant.
Like most lilies, Lilium longiflorum is borne from scaled bulbs that are easily dug and replanted. Each bulb produces tall, upright stems lined with narrow, lance-shaped glossy green leaves. Easter lily naturally blooms in midsummer. The flowers are outward-facing, trumpet-shaped and white with yellow anthers and throats. The fragrant blooms are highly attractive to bees and are great for cutting; they intensify their scent in the evening.
Easter lilies grow best in full to partial sun and rich, slightly acid to alkaline soils. Forced bulbs can be planted in the garden but will not look good until they reappear the following year. There are many white-flowered cultivars extant, but more recently pink, yellow and ivory cultivars have begun to appear. This lily is ideal for cutting gardens and tall mixed borders and for seaside cottage gardens.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
18"-42" / 45.7cm - 106.7cm
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Width
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Bloom Time
Summer
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Native To
Japan
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Salt
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Summer
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Cutflower, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
