Scientific Name
Lilium candidum
Common Name
Madonna Lily
LILIUM
candidum (White flowers)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Lilium candidum flowers in mid-summer (August) for 2-3 weeks and plants are 35-45 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Asia Minor and Southern Europe
2. Common names: Madonna Lily
3. Geophyte organ: Non-tunicated bulb
4. Hardiness type: Hardy I - Injured at temperatures below 23 degrees F (-5C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by bulblets and requires a warm (70 to 80F) - cool (28 to 32F) - warm (55 to 70F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds, show, and rock gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 16/18, 18/20, 20/22, 22/24, 24/26, 26/up cm, in circumference.
2. Planting density: 4-6 inches apart, 4 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: Plant so bulb nose is covered by only 1 inch of soil.
4. Planting time: Fall
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zones 5 to 6 with mulch, Zones 7 to 9 without mulch.
6. Light requirements:Full sunlight to PM only sunlight.
7. Moisture: Plant in an area that retain moisture year-round.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not reported.
D. Companion Plants:
Coreopsis, Hemerocallis (yellow cvs.), Kniphofia (yellow cvs.), Leucanthemum (Shasta daisies), Peonies (white and yellow cvs.), Rudbeckia, Salvia, Verbascum, Buddleia, Hibiscus syriacus, Acer palmatum, Lagerstroemia.

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.