Growing Lilium candidum (Madonna Lily): Ancient Beauty with Unique Needs

About Madonna Lily

Among oldest ornamental plants (3,000+ years in cultivation). Needs differ from other lilies.

Light: Full sun or partial shade (best with midday sun protection).
Soil: Rich, well-drained, pH near neutral. Thrives in alkaline soil; add lime at planting if very acid (better: add lime ahead of fall planting).
Depth: Cover tops with just 1″ soil (much shallower than other lilies).
Spacing: 10–12″ apart.
Water: Thoroughly after planting; keep evenly moist but not soggy.

Bulbs send up leaf tuft as they root for winter. Deep South: blooms spring, dormant in summer heat, new foliage in fall.

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