The Madonna lily (Lilium candidum) is an stunning plant with a great symbolic history. Believed to have originated more than 3,000 years ago, this flower is a featured centerpiece of many landscapes. It creates delicate but strong bulbs at ground level, while their stems grow to a height of three feet. White in color and with barely visible yellow prints on their throats, Madonna lily blooms typically in summer, offering a sweet scent and a visual contrast.
Family
The scientific and family name of Lilium candidum is Liliaaceae. This is a monocotyledonous flowering plant family with eleven genera and about 260 species and is commonly known as the true lily family.
Plant Type
The Madonna Lily is a perennial, meaning it will last for more than two years.
Mature Size
The Madonna Lily usually reaches a height of 36 inches, from the tips of the foliage down to the base of the plant. The bulbs should be planted 6 to 8 inches below the surface of the soil.
Sun Exposure
The Madonna Lily needs five to six hours of direct sunlight to grow well. Too much sun, especially during the summer months, can be harmful to the flowers, so keep it in partial shade if the sun is too harsh.
Soil Type
The best soil type for the Madonna Lily is a mixture of sand and peat moss, as this will help to keep the soil loose, moist and well-drained. Avoid using heavy soil, such as clay or loam, as this can damage the roots of the plant.
Soil pH
The optimal soil pH for the Madonna Lily is 6.5. The pH can be adjusted with the addition of sulfur, compost, or other compost materials.
Bloom Time
The Madonna Lily typically blooms in the summer, typically during the months of July and August. In some parts of the world, in areas with mild winters, the blooming time can vary and start as early as March.
Flower Color
The Madonna Lily features white flowers with quiet yellow prints on their throats.
Hardiness Zones
The Madonna Lily is typically winter hardy in Zones 7 to 9.
Native Area
The Madonna Lily is native to the Mediterranean region, especially on the Iberian Peninsula.
How to Plant
When planting Madonna Lily, it is important to keep in mind the proper light, soil, water, temperature, humidity and fertilizer needs of the flower. Plant in an area that provides five to six hours of direct sunlight. The best soil type is a mixture of sand and peat moss, and the optimal soil pH is 6.5. Keep soil moist and well-drained, but avoid overwatering and make sure soil is not soggy. Temperature should be between 40 and 70°F. Average humidity levels are required. Fertilize once a month throughout the growing season.
Meaning and Symbolism
The Madonna Lily has a long symbolic history stretching back 3,000 years. The flower has traditionally been used to represent motherhood, purity, innocence and silence. In Greek mythology, the goddess, Hera, is said to have worn a crown of white lilies. In Christianity, the Madonna Lily is believed to have been the white lily that appeared to the Virgin Mary when she arrived in the Garden of Gethsemane.
History, Mythology, and Religious Significance
The Madonna Lily has a long history in many different cultures and religions. In ancient Greece, the plant was associated with the goddess, Hera, while in Christianity the flower was said to have symbolically appeared when the Virgin Mary visited Gethsemane. The Madonna lily was also a widely accepted symbol of purity and innocence as carried out through the Middle Ages. In contemporary times, the Madonna Lily has been used symbolically in multiple ways, such as being used as a symbol of hope, new life, and a connection to nature.
Flower Varieties and Their Defining Characteristics
Lilium candidum has a variety of flower subtypes each with its own defining characteristics. There is the Tiger Lily for example, which is an extremely hardy variety and features deep orange-red petals. Then there is the Easter Lily with white fragrant blooms and long evergreen foliage. The Star of Bethlehem is particularly notable for its symmetric shape, composed of 12 petals and long propagating anthers. Finally, there is the Oriental Lily, an ever-loved variety that is easily identified by its large star-shaped flower head, which can grow up to 8 inches in diameter.
How to Pot and Repot
When potting Madonna Lily, it is important to select a quality potting soil, one with good drainage and aeration. Add compost or peat moss to the soil mixture to provide more nutrients to the plant. The pot should also have sufficiently sized drainage holes at the bottom. When repotting, make sure to choose a container that is one size larger than the previous, and always use fresh potting soil. If planting in the ground, make sure to test the soil and remove any stones, twigs or other debris.
How to Prune
Pruning Madonna Lily is essential to maintain the plant and promote new growth. Pruning should be done when the flowers start to die off, usually in late summer. Prune off the flowers and stems, as well as any leaves that have turned brown or yellow. Prune the stem all the way back to the base. Prune only shoots that are dead, diseased or damaged and avoid pruning healthy shoots as this can encourage new, less desirable growth.
How To Propagate
Lilium candidum can be propagated in a couple of different ways. The most popular and straightforward way is through offset division. This can be done by digging up the plant and carefully separating the bulbs into sections. Each section must have at least one strong root, and the bulbs should be planted at the same depth as before, about 6 to 8 inches. This can be done in late summer or early fall for the best results. Another option is to propagate through bulbils, or the small bulblets at the base of the stalk. These can be carefully removed and planted in the late summer or early fall.
Common Pests and Diseases
The Madonna Lily is mostly resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by certain types of fungal diseases, such as gray mold and rust. If affected, use an organic fungicide to treat the plant. Insects and other pests, such as aphids, can also damage the flowers of the Lilium candidum. To prevent these pest invasions, spray the foliage and soil with a insecticidal soap solution or neem oil mixture. Regularly inspect the foliage for signs of pests and give the plant extra care and attention to prevent any damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to plant Madonna Lily? The best time to plant Madonna Lily is in late summer or early fall.
- Do Madonna Lilies need to be watered? Yes, Madonna Lilies should be watered regularly to ensure the soil is kept moist, but not soggy.
- What is the best soil pH for Madonna Lily? The optimal soil pH for Madonna Lily is 6.5.
Fact Sheet
| Madonna Lily | Lilium candidum |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 36 inches |
| Sun Exposure | 5-6 hours of direct sunlight |
| Soil Type | Mixture of sand and peat moss |
| Soil pH | 6.5 |
| Bloom Time | July & August |
| Flower Color | White blooms with yellow prints |
| Hardiness Zones | 7-9 |
| Native Area | Mediterranean region, especially the Iberian Peninsula. |
How to Harvest
When harvesting Madonna Lily, it is important to do so carefully. Cutting off the stem at its base just below the flowering head is the most preferred way to do so. Once the flower has been harvested, it can be stored in a sunny place for about three days to allow the stem to harden and become more durable. When storing or displaying lilies, always keep them away from heat sources, as lilies are delicate flowers and can easily get damaged. The lilies can also be dried and preserved. To do this, hang the stems upside down in a cool, dark, and airy place and leave them for two to three weeks. The flowers should be dried and stiff when ready.
What we love from Amazon this week
Buy these wonderful flowers directly from Amazon:
Benchmark Bouquets, Flowering Fields, Glass Vase Included, Gift Fresh Flowers for Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well, Sympathy, Congratulations, Thank You, Just Because
$43.95 (as of November 18, 2024 20:16 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
