Each flower measures between two and three inches long (sometimes longer), emitting a lovely fragrance. Deciduous leaves are arranged spirally and feel smooth to the touch. Established plants grow four to six feet tall and one to two feet wide. Welcome this lily to flower beds, rock gardens or borders. It is suited to being planted en masse or as individual specimens. They find good homes around outdoor seating areas such as patios where the gardener and their guests can inhale the scent of the bloom and also arrange them in late spring bouquets. A prolific bloomer by nature, its needs are simple but different from most other Lilies. Follow the advice in this guide and welcome up to 20 flowers per stem from spring to midsummer.
Light
Lilium candidum prefers dappled sun. While it will do well in full sun or partial shade, best results occur when it is somewhat protected from the midday sun.
Soil
Give your Madonna lily rich, well-drained soil. Naturally, it absorbs lots of nutrients so adding in some compost is recommended. Maintain a soil that is close to neutral. Lilium candidum bulbs thrive in neutral or alkaline soil. Amend soil that is too acidic with lime. If you plan to have bulbs arrive in the fall, add lime to the site and allow it time to leach into the ground.
Water
Water your Madonna lilies well after planting. Foliage and flowers will emerge in spring, and then they will require very little additional care. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering. This may cause unwanted standing water and leave the roots soggy and prone to rot.
Temperature and Humidity
As they set roots for winter, plants may send up a tuft of leaves. In the Deep South of the United States and elsewhere, Lilium candidum blooms in spring and goes dormant in the summer heat. It will then produce new foliage again in autumn.
Pruning
When the plant stops flowering, allow the leaves to turn yellow. Then cut them back as one does for other spring-blooming bulbs.
Propagating Lilium Candidum
Propagation is usually done by bulb division. Alternatively, you can wait until the pods have dried on the plant. Break open the pods and carefully collect the seeds. Sow them in winter in vented containers, in a cold frame, or in an unheated greenhouse.
