Asiatic Lily Lilium 'Grand Cru' (Ia/b)
ABOUT
The Lilium 'Grand Cru' is an ornamental plant commonly known as a lily that boasts striking flowers. These flowers have prominent, curved back petals that create a distinctive trumpet shape, a hallmark of many lilies. The petals themselves often display a rich, bright yellow hue with maroon to brownish speckles towards the center, giving them a dramatic and exotic appearance. The speckles create a stunning contrast against the yellow background of the petals. In the heart of the flower, you'll find long, slender anthers protruding outward, which carry the plant's pollen. These anthers are typically a dark brown or black color, adding another layer of visual interest to the already captivating bloom. Surrounding the anthers, the central part of the flower, known as the stigma, sits prominently and is where pollination occurs. The flowers are carried on sturdy stems, which rise above the plant's foliage. The leaves of the lily are lance-shaped, glossy, and have a rich green color, creating a lush backdrop for the vibrant blooms. The overall appearance of the Lilium 'Grand Cru' is one of elegance and beauty, making it a prized addition to any garden or floral arrangement where it can be showcased without emphasizing its dimensions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Asiatic Lily, Asian Lily
Common names
Lilium 'Grand Cru' (Ia/b).
ToxicityTo humans
The Lilium 'Grand Cru', commonly known as the lily, have parts that are considered toxic to humans if ingested. While they are primarily toxic to cats, humans can experience adverse effects, especially if they consume a large amount of any part of the plant. Symptoms of lily poisoning in humans can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it may lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. It is important to handle plants with care and keep them out of reach of young children who might inadvertently ingest them.
To pets
Lilium 'Grand Cru', commonly known as the lily, is highly toxic to cats. Even small ingestion of petals, leaves, pollen, or water from the vase can lead to severe acute kidney failure in felines. Symptoms of lily poisoning in cats may include vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure, and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Dogs are less affected by lilies, but they might still experience mild stomach upset if they consume parts of the plant. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial for a cat that has ingested any part of a lily.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet [0.91 meters]
Spread
1 foot [0.3 meters]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and elegance to gardens with its large, yellow blooms and striking red speckles.
- Landscape Design: Versatile in landscape design, useful for borders, mass plantings, or as a focal point.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in the summer, providing seasonal interest in the garden when many plants are at their peak.
- Easy to Grow: Relatively easy to cultivate for both novice and experienced gardeners, adaptable to a range of soil types.
- Cut Flowers: Stems are long-lasting when cut, making them excellent for floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Height Diversity: Contributes height diversity in garden beds when planted with lower-growing plants, creating visual interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lilium 'Grand Cru', also known as Asiatic Lily, can be utilized in art and photography projects due to its striking colors and visually appealing flowers.
- The rich pigments in Asiatic Lily petals can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes.
- In the culinary realm, the petals of Asiatic Lily can be crystallized and used as edible decorations on cakes and desserts.
- The sturdy stems of Asiatic Lilies are sometimes incorporated into lightweight structures for decorative indoor trellises in home decor.
- Flower arranging classes often use Asiatic Lilies as a teaching tool due to their unique structure and longevity once cut.
- Fragrance companies may use the essence of Asiatic Lily blooms to inspire new scents or to reproduce the Asiatic Lily fragrance itself.
- The pollen from Asiatic Lilies can be used by artists to create a unique, natural pigment for paintings and textile artwork.
- During special events, the petals of Asiatic Lilies can be used as a natural confetti, which is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
- As part of water features or ponds, Asiatic Lilies can be floated on water surfaces as a part of ornamental displays, creating a serene environment.
- Asiatic Lily bulbs can be a component in education, teaching students about plant biology, reproduction, and the lifecycle of bulbous plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant commonly known as Lily is used in Feng Shui to attract positive energy, purity, and peace. It can be placed in areas of the home associated with health, like the dining room or living room, to enhance well-being and create a calming atmosphere.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity - The lily is commonly associated with purity, especially in many Christian traditions, where it is linked to the Virgin Mary.
- Royalty - The lily often symbolizes royalty due to its majestic and regal appearance.
- Renewal and Rebirth - As a perennial that returns year after year, the lily can signify renewal and the cycle of life.
- Transitions - In some cultures, lilies represent major life transitions or the passage to the next life.
- Motherhood - In certain traditions, lilies are associated with motherhood and fertility due to their prolific nature.
- Beauty - The striking appearance of the lily makes it symbolize beauty and elegance.
- Devotion - With its long-lasting blooms, the lily can represent devotion in relationships and loyalty.
WaterAsiatic lilies, like the 'Grand Cru' lily, flourish when the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly once a week, ensuring that you soak the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. This may translate to about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant depending on soil type and climate conditions. It's important to avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water more frequently to maintain the appropriate moisture level.
LightAsiatic lilies, including the 'Grand Cru' variety, prefer full sun to partial shade, with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. They should be placed in a spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent overheating. Avoiding intense afternoon sun can help preserve the blooms and maintain vibrant colors.
TemperatureThe 'Grand Cru' Asiatic lily thrives in a temperature range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered ideal for vigorous growth and blooming. It is important to protect the plant from temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit as cold temperatures can damage or kill the bulbs. During the winter, a layer of mulch can provide necessary insulation for the bulbs in the ground.
PruningPruning Asiatic lilies, such as the 'Grand Cru', is primarily done to remove spent flowers and seed heads to encourage further blooming and to maintain plant vigor. After flowers fade, deadhead the individual flowers but leave the stems and foliage in place until they yellow and die back naturally. This allows the plant to continue photosynthesis and store energy for the next season. Typically, pruning can be done throughout the flowering season as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Asiatic Lily prefers a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. An ideal mix can consist of equal parts loam, sand, and compost to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingAsiatic Lilies should be repotted every 3 to 4 years or when the bulbs become crowded in their current container to maintain health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingAsiatic Lilies thrive best at moderate humidity levels; however, they are quite adaptable and do not require specific humidity adjustments when grown in typical garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Oriental Lily 'Grand Cru' begins with the germination of a seed or growth of a bulb underground, where it develops roots and a shoot that emerges from the soil. The shoot grows into a stem with leaves, absorbing sunlight and nutrients to fuel further growth. During spring and early summer, the stem elongates and produces buds that eventually bloom into the plant's large, fragrant flowers with distinct coloring, typically in mid to late summer. After pollination, possibly by insects attracted to the flower's scent and color, the flowers give way to seed pods if the conditions allow; otherwise, the plant will propagate through bulb division. As the growing season ends, the leaves yellow and the above-ground parts of the lily die back, while the bulb enters a period of dormancy through the winter. With the onset of the next growing season, the lily re-emerges from its bulb, repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: The predominantly favored method of propagating the Lilium 'Grand Cru', commonly known as the Asiatic Lily, is through bulb division. This lily plant generally fares best when its bulbs are divided and replanted in the fall, after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. To propagate by bulb division, gardeners should carefully lift the entire plant out of the soil using a garden fork, taking care not to damage the bulbs. The clumps of bulbs can then be gently pulled apart into individual bulbs or smaller clumps by hand. Each separated bulb should have a portion of the basal plate (the flat bottom part where the roots grow out) to ensure successful regrowth. Once divided, the bulbs can be immediately replanted at a depth of about three times their height, which is typically 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep, in well-drained soil with good sunlight exposure to promote healthy growth in the next growing season.
