Henry's lily
Lilium henryi
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Pl. CECA — Lilium henryi
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IOverview
Overview
Henry's lily, scientifically known as Lilium henryi, is a striking perennial native to the mountainous regions of China South-Central and Southeast. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture. Hardy from zones 5-8, it can grow up to 1.8 meters tall. Known for its edible roots, Henry's lily is both ornamental and useful as a food source, adding a unique touch to gardens while providing sustenance. Its distinctive feature includes large, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in various shades of pink and white, making it a popular addition to landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Henry's lily?
Henry's lily, scientifically known as Lilium henryi, is a striking perennial native to the mountainous regions of China South-Central and Southeast. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Henry's lily thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture. It grows best in hardiness zones 5-8 and can reach a height of 1.8 meters. Propagate through root division for the best results. Harvest the edible roots carefully after the plant has flowered.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-8
Mature size
1.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Henry's lily for the first time
8steps
Start with Henry's lily to gain experience in growing bulbs.
- 1
What you'll need
Henry's 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
Plant bulbs about 15 cm deep, spacing them 30-45 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the bulbs.
- 6
Ongoing care
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize lightly in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead flowers to encourage more blooms and remove yellow leaves for a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting to fertilize, not providing enough sunlight, and failing to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Henry's lily is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often cooked or dried before consumption. Skip the raw form as it may not be palatable.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 2 native
Asia1 region
native (1)China
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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