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Madonna lily

Lilium candidum

One of the oldest garden flowers, the madonna lily has bright green hosta-like basal rosettes appearing in winter and shallow-rooted bulbs that give it a distinctive appearance. In late spring, it thrusts up leafy torches topped with pristine scented blossoms in a raceme of 5 to 10 trumpet-shaped flowers.

CareRequires neutral to alkaline soil and thrives on thin, chalky ground. Plant no more than 1 inch deep. Tolerates drier soil than other lilies.

PropagationIn fall, by division, bulblet transplanting, and scaling.

ProblemsVery susceptible to gray mold.

  • Genus : Lilium
  • Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
  • Zones : 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Type : Bulbs
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Showy Foliage
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Flower Color : White

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