Lily Lilium 'Fujian' (Viii a-b)
ABOUT
The Lilium 'Fujian', commonly known as the Fujian lily, is an ornamental plant that bears striking flowers. These blooms exhibit a captivating blend of colors, typically featuring a gradient of hues that can range from a crisp, creamy white at the petal edges, transitioning to a more saturated pink or even a deep crimson towards the throat of the flower. The petals themselves are quite large and approach a trumpet-like form, gracefully curving backward which can give the flowers a somewhat turk's cap appearance. The interior of each petal often showcases a smattering of freckles or spots that add to the plant's visual interest. These markings can be a darker shade, contrasting with the petal's lighter base color. At the heart of the bloom where the petals meet, one can observe prominent stamens that protrude outward, tipped with anthers coated in pollen, which is typical of lilies. The luscious green leaves of the Fujian lily are arranged in a whorled pattern along the length of the stem, providing a lush backdrop for the flowers. These leaves are typically elongated and have a smooth texture with a slight gloss, which can catch the light and add a bit of shine to the plant's overall appearance. While the size of the Fujian lily is excluded from this description, the plant's showy flowers and elegant foliage make it a popular choice for gardens and floral displays where it can add a splash of vibrant color and exotic beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Fujian Lily
Common names
Lilium 'Fujian' (Viii a-b).
ToxicityTo humans
Lilium 'Fujian', commonly known as the lily, contains compounds that are not generally considered toxic to humans. However, sensitive individuals may experience mild stomach upset if they ingest parts of the plant. It is advisable to avoid eating any part of a lily to prevent any potential gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Lilium 'Fujian', or the lily, is highly toxic to cats and can result in severe kidney damage or failure. Even ingesting a small amount of any part of the plant, including leaves, petals, or pollen, can cause poisoning. Symptoms of lily poisoning in cats include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, kidney failure, and without prompt veterinary treatment, can be fatal. Dogs are less susceptible to lily toxicity, but consumption can still lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. If a pet ingests any part of a lily, it is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lilies are renowned for their stunning blooms, adding visual appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy Propagation: They can be easily propagated from bulbs, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Pollinator Attraction: These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the ecosystem.
- Versatility: Lilies are versatile and can be grown in borders, containers, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Long Bloom Time: Lilium 'Fujian' has a relatively long blooming period, offering a prolonged display of beauty.
- Cultural Significance: Lilies often hold symbolic meanings in different cultures, making them perfect for gifting and ceremonial planting.
- Diversity in Colors and Shapes: The wide variety of lily forms and colors provides options for personalization in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lilium 'Fujian' can be used in cut-flower arrangements for a long-lasting and fragrant floral display. The stem's sturdy nature allows it to hold up well in vases and floral designs.
- These lilies can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, providing soft shades of yellow or green depending on the mordant used.
- Aphid-attraction qualities of the Lilium 'Fujian' can be employed as a companion plant to lure aphids away from more vulnerable garden crops.
- The strong stems of the plant can be dried and used in basketry or as garden stakes for supporting other plants.
- Petal art is another creative use where the individual petals can be pressed and used in creating unique designs for framed botanical art.
- The plant can serve as a motif or inspiration in landscape design, contributing to Asian-themed gardens with its origin and style.
- Used in photography or botanical illustration, Lilium 'Fujian' provides a visually stunning subject due to its intricate shapes and vibrant colors.
- Eco-printing with the leaves and petals can transfer their natural shapes and pigments onto paper or fabric in an ecologically friendly way.
- The scent of Lilium 'Fujian' can be subtly infused into candles or potpourri to bring the aroma of the outdoors into the home environment.
- Lilium 'Fujian' petals can be incorporated into biodegradable confetti or tossed as part of wedding traditions, aligning with a more environmentally-friendly approach.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lily is associated with the Metal element in Feng Shui and is believed to bring purity, peace, and abundance into a space. It is often recommended to place lilies in areas of the home where you wish to foster a sense of calm or rejuvenation, such as the bedroom or living room, to encourage balance and harmony within the environment.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Lilies are widely regarded as a symbol of purity and innocence, often associated with the Virgin Mary in Christian symbolism.
- Beauty: With its elegant form and enchanting fragrance, the lily is often seen as a representation of beauty and sophistication.
- Transience: As a flower that blooms and withers relatively quickly, lilies can symbolize the fleeting nature of life.
- Royalty: The regal appearance of the lily has made it a symbol of majesty and power, often associated with historical figures of authority.
- Renewal: Often blooming in the spring, lilies are seen as a symbol of renewal and the start of new beginnings.
- Motherhood: In certain cultural contexts, lilies are associated with motherhood and fertility, representing the nurturing aspect of femininity.
- Passion: Specific colors of lilies, such as red, may symbolize passion and love.
- Grief and Sympathy: White lilies, in particular, are often used at funerals and are seen as a symbol to express sympathy and commemorate the departed.
WaterTo water a Lily 'Fujian', ensure you keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Typically, water the plant with about 1 gallon of water every week, but adjust based on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. During the active growth period in spring and summer, the plant may require more frequent watering, while in cooler months it may need less. Make sure the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots without letting the plant sit in standing water.
LightLily 'Fujian' plants thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot that receives morning light and shade in the afternoon is ideal. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight which can scorch the leaves, as well as deep shade which can inhibit bloom production.
TemperatureLily 'Fujian' prefers moderate temperatures and is hardy in temperatures ranging from about 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can endure short periods of colder temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost and freezing conditions should be avoided for long-term health. Ideal temperatures during the growing season are between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Lily 'Fujian' after flowering by removing spent blooms to redirect energy toward root and bulb development. Annually, cut back the stems to ground level once the foliage has died back and turned yellow, which is typically in late fall. Pruning is essential not only for aesthetic reasons but also to prevent disease and to promote vigorous growth for the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Lily 'Fujian', commonly known as a hybrid Lily, should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mixture of loam, sand, and peat with a pH balance of 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal to provide the necessary nutrients and support proper drainage.
RepottingHybrid Lilies generally do not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. If the Lily 'Fujian' becomes too crowded or the soil is exhausted, repotting should be done every 3 to 4 years, ideally in the fall after the blooming season.
Humidity & MistingLilies, like hybrid Lily 'Fujian', prefer moderate humidity levels. They thrive best in environments where the relative humidity is between 40% to 60%. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant will help maintain the ideal humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, keep soil moist but not soggy.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade or morning sun, well-drained soil, mulch.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Oriental Lily 'Fujian' begins with the germination of a scaly underground bulb in the early spring, which sends up shoots that will develop into sturdy stems and leaves. The stems grow rapidly, and by mid to late summer, the plant produces large, fragrant flowers with petals ranging from white to pink and often speckled or edged in a contrasting color. After blooming, the flowers are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of seed capsules if the flowers are not deadheaded. Once the flowering is complete and the seeds are mature, the above-ground portions of the plant begin to yellow and wither as the lily enters a phase of dormancy. The bulb remains dormant through the winter, storing energy for the next growing season. In the subsequent spring, the cycle resumes with the bulb sending up fresh growth to start the process anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Lilium 'Fujian', more commonly known as the Fujian Lily, is a hybrid lily that is typically propagated through bulb scales. The most popular method of propagation occurs in late summer or early autumn. To propagate by bulb scaling, carefully remove a few scales from the outer layers of the bulb. The scales are then allowed to dry for a few hours to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Once slightly calloused, the scales can be placed in a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar medium. They require a warm, humid environment, so covering them with plastic to retain moisture is beneficial. Within a few weeks to a couple of months, the scales will develop bulblets at their base, which can eventually be planted out as individual plants.
