Lily Lilium 'Bethan Evans'
ABOUT
Lilium 'Bethan Evans', more commonly known as an oriental lily, is a striking perennial flower that exhibits a vibrant display of colors. Its blossoms are particularly large and showy, often boasting an array of vivid and contrasting hues. The petals have a smooth and delicate texture, with each petal typically curving outward, giving the flowers a distinctive, flared appearance. The color palette of the oriental lily ranges from pure, snowy whites to deep, rich pinks and may often include speckles or brushstroke-like marks of a different color towards the center, adding to the plant's dramatic flair. The center of each flower consists of prominent stamens with pollen-laden anthers, standing out against the petals. The glossy and substantial leaves of the plant are arranged in a spiral formation along the length of the stem, providing a lush, green backdrop to the flowers. The leaves are usually narrow and lance-shaped, contributing to the plant's overall aesthetic. As a culmination of its features, the oriental lily is often celebrated for its exotic and alluring fragrance, which can be quite intense and is most noticeable during warm, sunny days or in the early evening hours.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Bethan Evans Lily
Common names
Lilium 'Bethan Evans'
ToxicityTo humans
Lily 'Bethan Evans', a cultivar in the Lilium genus, can be harmful if ingested by humans. Members of the Lily family are known to contain certain compounds that can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea if any part of the plant is consumed. Although not typically life-threatening to humans, these symptoms can be uncomfortable and may require medical attention, especially in cases of significant ingestion.
To pets
Lily 'Bethan Evans' is highly toxic to cats and can also be dangerous to other pets if ingested. All parts of the plant, including petals, leaves, pollen, and even the water from the vase, contain compounds that can cause acute kidney failure in cats. Symptoms of lily poisoning in pets include vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and increased urination followed by a decrease in urination as kidney damage progresses. Without prompt and aggressive treatment by a veterinarian, ingestion of this plant can be fatal to a cat.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mix
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Lily 'Bethan Evans' adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens and landscapes with its striking flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: Lilies are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: This variety is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Versatility: 'Bethan Evans' can be planted in the ground or in containers, which allows for flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Cut Flower: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, with a long vase life, adding beauty to indoor environments.
- Seasonal Interest: Lilies typically bloom in the summer, providing seasonal interest and color when many other plants may not be flowering.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lilium 'Bethan Evans', commonly known as lily, can be used in floral art and competitions for its striking appearance and vibrant colors, providing inspiration and materials for artists and florists.
- The lily petals can be crystallized and used as an elegant and edible decoration for desserts and cakes, adding both flavor and a touch of sophistication.
- The sturdy stems of lilies can be used for crafting purposes, such as making natural wreaths or as supportive elements in large floral arrangements.
- Lily flowers can be pressed and included in personalized stationery or bookmarks for a delicate, nature-themed design.
- The pollen from lilies can be used as a natural dye for fabrics or handmade paper, producing unique and beautiful colors.
- Lily bulbs can be used in culinary dishes in some cultures, after proper processing, they add a unique texture and flavor to various recipes.
- The scent of lilies can be captured in homemade potpourri mixes, adding a fresh and floral aroma to indoor spaces.
- During photography workshops and classes, lilies can be used as subjects to teach various techniques due to their intricate details and rich colors.
- Lily-infused oil can be made by soaking the petals in a carrier oil, which can then be used as a fragrant ingredient in homemade candles or soaps.
- In crafting eco-friendly jewelry, dried lily petals can be encapsulated in clear resin to create pendants and earrings with a natural touch.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity - The lily, in general, is often associated with purity, particularly in Christian symbolism where it is connected to the Virgin Mary.
- Motherhood - Lilies are symbolically associated with motherhood and fertility, representing the nurturing aspect of nature.
- Renewal - As lilies often bloom in the spring, they are also seen as symbols of rebirth and new beginnings.
- Beauty - The striking appearance of the lily often represents beauty and elegance across various cultures.
- Transience - In some contexts, the lily can represent the fleeting nature of life, due to the flower's short bloom time.
WaterThe Lilium or commonly known as lily should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch; this often means watering once a week, but it can vary depending on climate and soil drainage. It is important to avoid overwatering, as lilies do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. During the active growth period in spring and summer, they may require more frequent watering. Provide them with about a gallon of water per plant during each watering session to ensure deep soil moisture which encourages root growth. In the winter, reduce watering substantially to prevent bulb rot.
LightLilies thrive best in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. The ideal spot for a Lily 'Bethan Evans' would be in an area that receives morning sunlight and is shaded during the hottest part of the day. These conditions will ensure that the blooms are vibrant and the plant remains healthy.
TemperatureLilies prefer moderate temperature conditions and thrive in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy and can tolerate a range down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but they should be protected from frost. During hot summer days, temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may cause the plant to go into dormancy.
PruningPruning lilies is important for aesthetic reasons and to prevent disease by removing dead or dying blooms and foliage. Prune Lily 'Bethan Evans' after blooming to remove spent flower heads but leave the stem and leaves to die back naturally, providing energy reserves for the next season's growth. The best time for pruning is late fall or early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLily 'Bethan Evans' thrives in well-draining soil with abundant organic matter. A soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for this lily. A mix containing equal parts of loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand would provide the necessary drainage and nutrition for optimal growth.
RepottingLily 'Bethan Evans' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when the bulb outgrows its container. Division of the bulbs during repotting can help rejuvenate and propagate the plant.
Humidity & MistingLily 'Bethan Evans' prefers moderate humidity levels and will do well in typical household humidity. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases, especially if the air is humid.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lily 'Bethan Evans' in bright, indirect light indoors, avoiding direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant Lily 'Bethan Evans' in partial shade with shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Lilium 'Bethan Evans', more commonly known as a Lily, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which will undergo a period of dormancy typically during winter. As spring arrives, the bulb will sprout stems and leaves, marking its growth phase, and then it proceeds to the development of flower buds as temperatures increase and days lengthen. These buds will blossom into vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers during the summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the flowers will produce seeds, which can be dispersed to give rise to new plants. Eventually, as autumn approaches, the above-ground portion of the plant will die back, returning the lily to its bulb state, where it will again enter dormancy until the next growing season. This life cycle will repeat annually, allowing the Lilium 'Bethan Evans' to continue its perennial growth and reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Lilium 'Bethan Evans', commonly known as a lily variety, is typically propagated through scaling, which is a popular method among lily enthusiasts. This technique involves the removal of the outer scales from the basal plate of the bulb during the late summer or early fall. These scales, when placed in a moist medium such as a mix of peat and perlite, at a ratio of 1:1, and kept at a temperature of around 70°F (21°C), will often produce bulblets at their base. The new bulblets may take about 6-8 weeks to develop and, once they have grown sufficiently large, can be potted on their own to eventually bloom, although it may take a few years for them to reach flowering size. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing new plants that are genetically identical to the parent.
