White Lily
Lilium davidiifam. Liliaceae
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Pl. 25BA — Lilium davidii
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IOverview
Overview
Lilium davidii, a member of the Liliaceae family, is native to regions including Assam, China North-Central, China South-Central, East Himalaya, and Tibet. This plant thrives in full or partial sun with moist conditions and prefers light (sandy) to medium soil types. Hardy from zones 4-8, it can grow up to 1 meter tall. Known for its edible roots, which are often used in culinary applications, L. davidii also serves as an ornamental plant due to its striking flowers. Its distinctive feature is the large, funnel-shaped blooms that come in shades of white and pink, making it a popular choice in gardens.
Quick answers
What is White Lily?
Lilium davidii, a member of the Liliaceae family, is native to regions including Assam, China North-Central, China South-Central, East Himalaya, and Tibet. This plant thrives in full or partial sun with moist conditions and prefers light (sandy) to medium soil types.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lilium davidii thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 1 meter tall. For propagation, divide the rhizomes in early spring or autumn. Harvest the edible root parts for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow White Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with White Lilies to gain experience in growing bulbs.
- 1
What you'll need
White Lily bulbs, a garden fork or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Dig holes about 15 cm deep and plant bulbs with the pointed end up, spacing them 30-45 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Fertilize once a month during growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Mulch to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead flowers to encourage more blooms and remove yellow leaves for better appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough sunlight, and using the wrong type of fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Lilium davidii is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often used raw or cooked, though specific recipes are not provided here. The root can also be dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 5 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)ChinaIndia
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya
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
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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