Japanese Turk's cap lily Lilium hansonii (Ixb-c/d)

Water

Hanson's Lily, or Lilium hansonii, prefers to be watered deeply and thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. This usually equates to watering once a week, but frequency may need to increase during hot, dry periods. Each watering should moisten the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches, encouraging deep root growth. Aim to provide the equivalent of 1 gallon of water per week during the growing season, adjusting based on rainfall and temperature variations. In the dormant season, reduce watering to ensure the soil does not remain overly soggy, which can lead to bulb rot.

Light

Hanson's Lily thrives in a location that provides full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day, as this promotes strong growth and vibrant blooms. Avoid placing in deep shade or excessively bright, hot afternoon sun, which could impact the health and blooming capability of the plant.

Temperature

Hanson's Lily can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it flourishes in conditions between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is winter hardy and can survive cold down to about -40 degrees Fahrenheit, but to encourage the best growth and flowering, maintain the ideal temperature range. Avoid exposing Hanson's Lily to prolonged temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as excessive heat may stress the plant.

Pruning

Hanson's Lily benefits from pruning primarily to remove spent flowers and any damaged or diseased foliage. This pruning helps to encourage further blooming, improves air circulation, and prevents disease spread. The best time to prune Hanson's Lily is in late autumn after flowering is complete and the foliage has died back, which helps prepare the plant for its winter dormancy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Hanson's lily prefers well-draining soil with a rich mix of compost and leaf mold to mimic its natural woodland habitat. Aim for a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5 for optimal growth. A mixture of sand, loam, and peat is recommended to provide the necessary drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Hanson's lily generally needs to be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. It is best to repot in the autumn after the blooming period and before the plant enters dormancy.

Humidity & Misting

Hanson's lily thrives best at moderate humidity levels, with optimal conditions ranging from 40% to 60%. Avoid environments that are too dry or excessively humid to maintain the plant’s health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure good light, avoid overdrying, fertilize lightly.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, mulch, protect from harsh elements.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

Lilium hansonii, commonly known as Hanson's lily, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is a dormant stage that can survive winter cold. In spring, the bulb sprouts a stem and leaves, using stored nutrients to grow. The plant then develops buds that blossom into large, yellow flowers during the early to mid-summer months, attracting pollinators such as bees for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers produce seed capsules that mature and release seeds in late summer or fall. These seeds may germinate and grow into new bulbs if they land in suitable conditions. With the onset of winter, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, with the cycle repeating the following spring from the bulb or new germinating seeds.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Lilium hansonii, commonly known as Hanson's Lily, is best propagated through bulb division, which is a popular method for multiplying these plants. This process is typically done in the fall, after the foliage has died back, ensuring the bulb has gathered enough energy to survive the division and regrowth process. To propagate Hanson's Lily using bulb division, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate them, making sure that each division has at least two or three scales with a piece of the basal plate, where the roots grow from. These individual bulb scales can then be potted in well-draining soil, placed in a cool, dark location like a basement, and watered sparingly to provide just enough moisture to prevent drying out. Roots and shoots should appear within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the conditions, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to brighter light and eventually planted outside in the garden once the threat of frost has passed.