St. Bernard's Lily Anthericum liliago

Anthericum liliago, or St. Bernard's Lily, is an herbaceous perennial with tuberous roots native to Europe and Turkey.  It is a vigorous plant typically found growing wild in dry pastures, stony places and open wood. The plant produces white, trumpet-shaped, star-like, 1.5 inch long flowers with showy yellow anthers in spike-like clusters atop 2 foot tall stems that rise from a clump of narrow, grass-like, dark green leaves. The flowers resemble lilies and bloom in mid to late spring.

It grows well in average, medium, well-drained soil in full afternoon sun, although it tolerates light, sun-dappled shade. It prefers rich, constantly moist soils. It can be grown from seed or by division of the root stock, but division should be attempted only every 3 to 4 years. You should plant the tuberous roots 2 inches deep and 12 inches apart in the fall or early spring to flower in early summer. This summer bulb is a slow starter but forms large clumps with time and may self-seed under optimum growing conditions. It is not particulary winter hardy and will sustain injury at temperatures below 23 degrees F.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.