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Formosa Lily Lilium formosanum

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
LIL-ee-um for-MOH-sa-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. 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