Family: Liliaceae
Common name: Regal lily, Royal lily, Christmas lily, King’s lily, Lily regale
Regal Lily as its name suggests, is a stunning, regal, aromatic plant that can be easily grown in gardens in temperate weather. They are native to China but has now been introduced as ornamental plants in UK, Europe, and America.
Plant characteristics
Regal lily plants can grow to a height of 1.2 to 1.5 meters with tall, sturdy, erect stems bearing large bunches of flowers. Root is a bulb typical of Lily plants, that helps the plant regrow when the weather conditions are right even after the parent plant has withered and died.
Leaves are thin, long, and lance-shaped, turned slightly downwards, about 6-15 cm long. These dark green leaves are arranged in whorls around the stem giving the plant a lush appearance.
Flowers are stunningly beautiful, large, trumpet-shaped with a dark pink tinge on the outer surface of the petals, and white color along the inner surface.
Buds are deep pink, opening up to reveal white petals with a yellow throat. Regal lily flowers are 15-20 cm long, each plant producing 20-30 flowers in blooming season. These flowers are formed in circular whorls from which extend multiple flowers along the radius.
There are six waxy, creamy petals that taper to a point. Stamens and style are prominent, producing abundant pollen that stains the pure white petals.
Regal lily flowers are well-known for their wonderful fragrance which becomes pronounced during the evening and night attracting pollinators.
After pollination, Regal lily plants produce an elongated, capsule-like fruit that contains several flat, brown seeds.
Gardening Tips
Regal lily plants can be easily grown in home gardens in flowerbeds or in large pots with enough soil for the plant to grow well.
Soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Staking or support is needed in windy areas to makes sure the stems don’t break with the weight of the flowers.
Regular watering and fertilization is needed during summer months to ensure abundant blooms. Though the plants die down during cold weather, they can produce new offsets from the bulbs. Or the bulbs can be stored for winter and replanted when the weather is right.
Toxicity
All parts of the plant are toxic to pets, especially cats. Even pollen brushed on their fur can lead to poisoning and kidney failure when cats clean themselves. So if you have pets at home, this is not an ideal plant to grow. Be careful to keep them away from pets and small children.
Propagation
Propagation is through root bulbs, seeds, and bulbils. Seed propagation is not easy, and might take a very long time.
Parent plants produce small bulbils around them which can be separated gently and replanted. Mature plants can be split into several plants through root division, and replanted.
Photographed at: Kensington garden, London
