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Lilium formosanum

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
LIL-ee-um for-mo-SAH-num
Description

Formosan Lily is a flowering bulb in the lily family native to Tawain (formerly Formosa) that has large fragrant white flowers appearing in late summer to fall. It is in the Longiflorum Lily group. This plant can grow 4-7 feet tall.

This lily does best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. Plant in average to fertile slightly acidic well-drained loams. Use in the fall border, cutting garden or cottage garden. They can be planted in containers but will be smaller.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, bulb rot and Botrytis.  

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Davidson County Extension Demonstration Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#fragrant flowers#fall flowers#white flowers#cottage garden#lily#border planting#cutting garden#trumpet flowers#HS302#problem for cats#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#patio
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#fragrant flowers#fall flowers#white flowers#cottage garden#lily#border planting#cutting garden#trumpet flowers#HS302#problem for cats#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#patio
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Lilium
    Species:
    formosanum
    Family:
    Liliaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Tawain
    Dimensions:
    Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 7 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Good Dried
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Upperward facing seedpods remain attractive in the garden or for dried arrangements.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Trumpet
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    > 6 inches
    Flower Description:
    6 petaled trumpet-shaped flowers are 6- 10 inches long. They are white and sometimes tinged with reddish-purple. Occur in 1-2 groups or umbrels up to 10 flowers on stems.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    8-inch lance-shaped green leaves
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stiff green stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats