Henry's Lily Lilium henryi (Ixc/d)
ABOUT
Lilium henryi, commonly known as Henry's lily, is a stunning perennial plant that boasts unique and attractive flowers. These blossoms present themselves as Turk's cap-style, characterized by recurved petals that arch backward, giving them an appearance somewhat reminiscent of a turban. The petals are typically a warm orange color with brownish to maroon freckles or spots speckled across the surface. Each petal is narrow, with a ruffled edge that adds to the flower's intricate and delicate aesthetic. At the heart of the flower, the reproductive parts, including the stamens and pistil, are prominently displayed, often extending outward from the center. The stamens have long filaments topped with anthers that may carry pollen, while the pistil stands as the central part of the flower, awaiting pollination. The leaves of Henry's lily are also noteworthy. They are arranged in a whorled pattern, spiraling around the stem, each appearing broadly lance-shaped with a smooth edge and a lush, green hue. They create a full and verdant backdrop that contrasts with the striking flowers. Emerging in clusters, the flowers are a spectacular show of color and form. The plant is known for its ability to produce numerous flowers on each stem, creating an eye-catching display that can range from a couple of blooms to a prodigious number, depending on the growing conditions and maturity of the plant. The overall appearance of Henry's lily is one of elegance and exotic charm. Its unique flowers and beautiful foliage combine to make it a prized specimen in gardens and collections that seek a touch of the dramatic and an air of the Far East, where the plant has its origins.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Henry's Lily, Tiger Lily
Common names
Lilium henryi var. duchartrei, Lilium duchartrei.
ToxicityTo humans
Tiger Lily, scientifically known as Lilium henryi, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it may cause mild symptoms of toxicity if ingested. These symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It's important to exercise caution and prevent children from ingesting any part of the plant, as their bodies are more sensitive to potential toxins. The allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis may also be a concern for sensitive individuals who handle the plant.
To pets
Tiger Lily is highly toxic to cats and can cause severe symptoms if ingested. Even small amounts can result in acute kidney failure in cats. Symptoms of Tiger Lily poisoning in cats may include vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, kidney failure signs like increased or decreased urination, and dehydration. If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a Tiger Lily, it is crucial to seek veterinary assistance immediately. Dogs and other pets are not as sensitive to lilies, but it is still best to prevent them from eating the plant, as ingestion could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Lilium henryi, commonly known as Henry's lily, has striking orange flowers with recurved petals and prominent anthers, making it a visually appealing addition to gardens.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, creating a supportive environment for these important insects.
- Cultural Significance: Henry's lily has been a subject of interest and inspiration in art and culture, being admired for its beauty and used in various cultural symbols and events.
- Landscape Design: The plant's tall stature and vibrant flowers make it suitable for creating focal points in landscaping and garden design.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of Henry's lily are long-lasting when cut, making them ideal for floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Hybridization: Lilium henryi is used in horticulture to hybridize with other lilies to develop new cultivars with desirable traits like color variations and hardiness.
- Education and Research: As a species with unique characteristics, it offers opportunities for educational programs and botanical research to study aspects of botany and horticulture.
- Biodiversity: By cultivating Lilium henryi, gardeners can contribute to the conservation of the species and support biodiversity within their local ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lilium henryi, also known as Tiger Lily, can be utilized in floral art and ikebana arrangements due to its striking appearance and tall, sturdy stems.
- The petals of the Tiger Lily can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, providing a soft, orange to reddish hue dependant on the mordant used.
- As Tiger Lily is a robust and tall plant, it serves as a natural trellis for supporting climbing plants or vines in a garden.
- The dried stalks of Tiger Lily can be repurposed into handcrafted items such as rustic garden stakes or elements in weaving projects.
- The plant can be incorporated into edible landscaping, as many parts of the Tiger Lily are edible, creating both an aesthetic and functional garden space.
- Tiger Lily seeds can be used as part of science education programs to demonstrate plant growth and the lifecycle of a flowering plant.
- When dried, the seed pods of Tiger Lily make interesting additions to dry floral arrangements or can be used in the creation of potpourri.
- The strong scent of the Tiger Lily flowers can act as a natural deer repellent, making it useful for gardeners looking to protect their other plants.
- The large leaves of the Tiger Lily can serve as a natural mulch if left to fall around the base of the plant, helping to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Photographers and artists may use the striking Tiger Lily as a subject in their work to explore themes of natural beauty and impermanence.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Henry's lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Henry's lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity and Innocence - In general, lilies are often associated with the idea of purity and innocence, and Lilium henryi is no exception. Its delicate and innocent appearance gives it this association.
- Renewal and Rebirth - Lilies, blooming as perennials, symbolize renewal and rebirth, as they die back and return each year with fresh blossoms.
- Prosperity and Abundance - Given the fullness of the bloom and its vigorous growth habit, the Henry's lily often represents an abundance of prosperity.
- Rare Beauty - As Lilium henryi is not as common as some other lilies, it might symbolize a unique or rare beauty that stands out from the more common expressions of attractiveness.
- Marriage and Partnership - Lilies are a popular choice in wedding bouquets and arrangements, symbolizing the hope for a happy marriage and the partnership it represents.
WaterTiger Lilies should be watered generously every week during their growing season, aiming for about 1 inch of moisture, which translates to approximately 0.62 gallons per square yard of soil. Ensure the soil is well-draining and maintain consistent moisture, but do not overwater as this can lead to bulb rot. During periods of drought, increase watering frequency to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Reduce watering once the blooming period is over and the leaves begin to yellow in the fall.
LightTiger Lilies prefer full sun to partial shade, thriving best with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting them in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade can help protect their blooms from the intense heat of late day sun. These lilies can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers if light is limited.
TemperatureTiger Lilies are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9 and can tolerate a range of temperatures, generally thriving between 60°F and 70°F. They can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -40°F and should be planted in an area that does not experience temperatures above 85°F, as extreme heat can stress the plants.
PruningPrune Tiger Lilies to remove dead or damaged stems and foliage to promote healthy growth and prevent disease. After blooming, cutting back the flower stems can encourage the bulbs to store energy for the next season. Pruning is best performed in the fall, after the foliage has died back, but before the onset of winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHenry's lily prefers a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. A mixture of loam, sand, and peat is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingHenry's lily should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its container. It's best done after the flowering period or in the early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingHenry's lily thrives with moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%, to replicate its native habitat conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Henry's lily needs bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Henry's lily in a sunny spot with afternoon shade.
Hardiness zone
Henry's lily is suitable for 4-9 USDA hardiness zones.
Life cycleLilium henryi, commonly known as Henry's lily, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which undergoes a period of dormancy typically in the winter. In spring, the bulb sprouts stems and leaves as it enters into a growth phase, absorbing nutrients and water from the soil. Throughout the summer, the plant reaches maturity and produces distinctive orange flowers with recurved petals and dark spots, which are often pollinated by insects such as bees. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods, which eventually dry and release seeds into the environment. These seeds can germinate and grow into new bulbs if they land in suitable conditions. After flowering and seed production, the plant's above-ground parts die back, and the bulb enters another period of dormancy, restarting the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Lilium henryi, commonly known as Henry's lily, is often propagated through division, which is the most popular method. To propagate Henry's lily by division, the process is typically carried out in the fall, after the foliage has died back. The bulbs are gently lifted from the soil and the offsets, which are small bulblets or scales that have formed on the parent bulb, are carefully separated. Each offset must have a portion of the basal plate to ensure that it has the necessary tissues to generate roots and shoots. These separated offsets are then immediately replanted at a depth approximately three times their height in well-draining soil. This method of propagation allows gardeners to rapidly multiply their lilies and maintain the genetic traits of the parent plant.
