November Lily Lilium longiflorum
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Lilium longiflorum var. eximium
- Lilium longiflorum var. nobile
- Phonetic Spelling
- LIL-ee-um lon-ghi-FLOR-um
- Description
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Easter lily is an herbaceous perennial that is found in grasslands and slopes in the rich soils and moist shade of woodlands. This species is placed in the Longiflorum Lilies group. Easter lily is a member of the lily family (Liliaceae) and native to Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. The species epithet is Latin for “long flower.”
Easter lilies are generally grown in pots, forced in greenhouses and sold as seasonal decorations (i.e., throw-away plants). For best results in the garden, plant in rich, organic, well-drained soil in full sun, but keep the roots shaded. This species will also grow well in sandy or clay soils. Mulch and maintain even moisture. Plant bulbs 4 to 6" deep in fall or early spring, spacing them 12" apart in groups. You may cut back the stems after the foliage yellows.
This is the classic "Easter lily" that is forced into bloom for the Easter market and sold by florists. Under ordinary garden conditions, this species flowers in autumn. This species is prized for its large, fragrant, pristine white flowers.
Use Easter lilies in containers or in the border as an accent plant. Consider using it in an Asian, cutting or cottage garden.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids and mites are pests, but they are rarely serious.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Lilium
- Species:
- longiflorum
- Family:
- Liliaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Bulb
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 4 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Bulb
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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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
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Trumpet
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Description:
- Large white trumpet-shaped flowers with 6 tepals. Flowers are fragrant and appear from late summer to early fall.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Linear
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Narrow leaves clothe the entire length of the stem.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Thin wiry stems
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Slope/Bank
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Pollinators
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
