Regal Lily

Lilium regale (LIL-ee-um ree-GAL-ee)

Family: Liliaceae Non-native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

The regal lily is a perennial bulb in the lily family (Liliaceae). It is native to the western Sichuan Province in southwestern China. In its native environment, it is only found within a 30-mile section of rocky cliffs in a narrow valley in the Hengduan Mountains. It was introduced in 1910 by Ernest Henry Wilson, who acquired his “lily limp” when he injured his leg in a landslide while collecting this lily. The specific epithet is Latin for "regal." It belongs to the Trumpet Lily group. It prefers rich, organic soils, but is easily grown in any soil that is well-drained in full sun or part shade. It is drought-tolerant and flourishes with good moisture year-round. It is 3 to 6 feet tall and up to 2 feet wide. For an optimum display, plant at least three bulbs. Keep the roots cool with mulch. The bulbs can be divided and moved in the fall or winter. In areas with heavy soil and wet winters, plant the bulbs in early spring. For other areas, they can be planted in the winter. In hot and humid environments, plant the bulbs in raised beds to avoid fungal problems. The regal lily bulb is hardy. However, the early spring foliage is vulnerable to a late frost. It is advisable to stake the stems to prevent breakage by wind. The regal lily is a long-lasting, fragrant flower with large white trumpets. It is the earliest lily to bloom in July or August. Each stem can have 25 flowers. If you cut them, leave at least one-third of the stem. The plant is toxic to cats and can be fatal. The bulbs can be grown in 3-gallon containers. They can be grouped in a perennial bed or near an area where their fragrance can be enjoyed. The regal lily can be mixed with annuals, perennials, and other lily species to cover the greenery after flowering. The mixed plants will also provide shade for the regal lily roots. The regal lily received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1993. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Lily leaf beetles, mites slugs snails and aphids attack the plant. Rodents, deer, and rabbits eat the plant (including the bulb). VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Lilium .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 70 attributes.