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Lily
Name - The genus name Lilium is from the Latin vernacular for the Madonna
Lily.Description - The genus of 80 or more species of bulbs is
distributed throughout the northern hemisphere. Lilies have erect unbranched stems
clad with narrow leaves and topped by large six-petalled flowers in the form of
trumpets.
Origin - China and South East Asia
Family
- LiliaceaeVarieties - Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) which
bears pure white fragrant trumpets, is an excellent variety for growing indoors.
Other varieties for indoor planting are the scented oriental hybrids 'Star Gazer'
and 'Mona Lisa' and the Asiatic hybrids like 'Symphony'
Care Tips
- Pot grown lilies thrive best in a frost-free environment, warm temperature and
bright light (but not burning sun). They need rich but light and porous compost.
Water them moderately, feed lightly once a week and watch out for the pollen which
can stain clothes and carpets. When they have finished flowering, they can be
planted out in the garden in a semi-shaded spot and within a year they will flower
again.Trivia - Lilies produce magnificent, scented blooms (lasting
up to 3 weeks indoors) and are viewed as the aristocrats of flowering potted plants.
They have been appreciated since the days of the Byzantine Empire. If you do get
pollen on textiles, do not rub. Dab off with sticky tape or, in summer, place
the textile out in the bright sunlight - it really does work!
Caution:
Be aware that lilies can be highly poisonous to cats. Owners should be aware
of this risk and keep their pets away from them.
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