Lily Flower Description

History

• There are 110 native species in the lily family, most of which grow in the northern hemisphere. These native species have been cross-pollinated and hybridized by breeders to create more than 6,000 garden varieties. That the number of varieties is so large is not surprising, considering that historical evidence demonstrates that the lily has been cultivated by humans for more than 3,000 years.

Features

• The lily is a summer blooming flower which has six petals that overlap at the base to form a trumpet-shaped flower. The flower has a sweet smell designed to attract pollinators to it. Lily varieties have two basic leaf types: long blade-shaped leaves and broad leaves which come off the stalk in apparent layers. Lilies have been developed in a great variety of colors and color combinations. The flowers traditionally have large filaments which protrude from the center of the flower, with yellow to orange stamens hanging from the end.

Reproduction

• The lily flower grows from a bulb, which is white when clean, but often appears brown because of staining. Many varieties produce rhizomes which contain multiple bulbs and which can be cut down in order to produce several new plants. The lily also produces and can be grown from seeds, which ripen in late summer.

Considerations

• It is essential that lilies be planted in soil that has good drainage. If planting in a pot, ensure that the pot has several drainage holes in the base, and that the soil is loose and contains peat moss to allow for drainage. If planting in a garden bed, choose a location where the soil becomes dry on the surface; never put lilies in a location where water stands during the wet season. Plant lily bulbs 3 to 5 inches deep in the soil and cover well; the one exception to this rule is the Madonna lily, which should be placed no more than an inch below the soil. Leave 12 to 18 inches of space between bulbs in the garden. Place the bulb upright in the ground, and water immediately after it is planted, to settle the soil around the bulb.

Significance

• The lily has been referred to throughout history in several interesting ways. The lily symbolizes natural beauty in both the Bible and Shakespeare. In China, the lily is commonly grown as a harvested crop and served in traditional dishes. White lily bulbs are harvested and processed for medicinal use; it is believed to be effective in treating skin conditions.