Fire Lily
Lilium bulbiferumfam. Liliaceae
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Pl. 0EBB — Lilium bulbiferum
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IOverview
Overview
Fire Lily (Lilium bulbiferum) is a hardy perennial from the Liliaceae family, known for its ornamental value and edibility. Native to Central Europe, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH of 7.5–8, commonly found in Austria, Corse, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. This lily reaches heights of about 1.2 meters and is valued for its edible root parts. One distinctive feature sets it apart: the plant bears bulbils on its leaves, which can aid in propagation.
Quick answers
What is Fire Lily?
Fire Lily (Lilium bulbiferum) is a hardy perennial from the Liliaceae family, known for its ornamental value and edibility. Native to Central Europe, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH of 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Fire Lily thrives in moist, well-drained soils that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It prefers partial to full sunlight and is hardy in temperate regions with zones 6-9. For best results, plant the root parts in soil with a pH of 7.5–8. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. This forb/herb can grow up to 1.2 meters tall and is native to countries like Austria, France, Germany, and Italy. Propagate through division or seed sowing for new plants.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Fire Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with Fire Lily to gain experience in growing lilies, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Fire Lily bulbs or seedlings, a garden fork, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Fire Lilies in early spring or late summer for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH of 7.5–8, and loosen it to a depth of about 30 cm.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep and 20-30 cm apart in a sunny spot.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the planted Fire Lilies regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide support with stakes as needed, and mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
After flowering, cut back dead foliage to maintain plant health, but avoid removing it completely until winter.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting support stakes, and not providing enough mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Fire Lily's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often eaten raw or cooked, providing a mild flavor to dishes. The roots can also be dried for later use. Skip the tea preparation as it is not commonly used for consumption.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 7 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 7 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 12 native· 7 introduced
Europe14 regions
native (9)AustriaFranceGermanyHungaryItalyPolandRomaniaSpainSwitzerland
introduced (5)BulgariaNetherlandsNorwaySwedenUkraine
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia
introduced:Utah, Baltic States
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Liliaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Liliaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 0ebb8b07-7682-4e33-93f8-b6a4e67e71b2
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