Lankon Lily Lilium 'Lankon' (Viiic/a)
ABOUT
The Lilium 'Lankon' is a stunning plant that is admired for its distinctive flowers. The blossoms are characterized by a blend of white and soft green shades, with the petals exhibiting a prominent brush of spots in a maroon to rusty brown color, adding to their appeal. Each petal gracefully curves backward, giving the flowers a refined, elegant look. The shape of the flowers is trumpet-like, with a long, narrow tube flaring open into a wide bloom, which is typical of many lily varieties. The interior of the flowers showcases a lavish spread of spots, giving them an exotic and unique appearance. These spots are not just mere dots; they are textured and raised, creating an intricate pattern against the soft background of the petals. The stamens extend outwards from the center of the flower, and these are topped with anthers that carry pollen, which are usually a contrasting color to the petals, often adding a dash of brightness. The foliage of 'Lankon' is also quite striking, consisting of long, narrow leaves that are deep green in color. The leaves grow in a whorled pattern around the stem, creating a lush, verdant frame for the blossoms. The overall look of the plant is one of sophistication and beauty, making it a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements. It is important to note that the size of the plant is not being discussed, but 'Lankon' lilies, as with most lilies, generally have a substantial presence due to their striking flowers and rich foliage. Regardless of its scale, the Lilium 'Lankon' is a plant that commands attention and adds a touch of drama to any setting in which it is placed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Lankon Lily, Lancifolium x Konjac Hybrid Lily, Lankong Lily
Common names
Lilium lancifolium, Lilium tigrinum.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Lilium 'Lankon', commonly known as a lily, can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, if a large amount of the plant is consumed, it may lead to more severe symptoms including headache, lethargy, and even kidney failure in extreme cases. It is crucial to keep lilies out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest them.
To pets
The plant Lilium 'Lankon', commonly known as a lily, is extremely toxic to pets, especially cats. Even small ingestions can cause severe kidney damage. Symptoms of lily poisoning in pets include vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, kidney failure, and without prompt veterinary treatment, it can be fatal. Dogs are less affected but may still experience gastrointestinal symptoms if they eat lilies. It is essential to keep these plants away from pets to avoid accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lilium 'Lankon', commonly known as Lankong lily, adds visual interest to gardens with its striking, recurved flowers and unique color blend ranging from cream to yellow with purple spots.
- Attracts Pollinators: It draws in beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Landscape Versatility: Lankong lily can be planted in borders, containers, or as a focal point in a garden design, offering flexibility in landscaping.
- Fragrance: It emits a pleasant fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden or indoor space when used as a cut flower.
- Cut Flower Use: The flowers of the Lankong lily are long-lasting and make excellent cut flowers for arrangements due to their unique shape and color.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires relatively low maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of various skill levels.
- Seasonal Interest: Its blooming period in the mid to late summer provides color and interest during a time when many plants have finished flowering.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lilium 'Lankon' can be used in floriculture studies and hybridization programs due to its unique genetic makeup, which includes characteristics from both Asiatic and Lankongense lilies.
- The petals of the lily can be used in crafts, such as making pressed flower arrangements or for inclusion in homemade paper for an artistic touch.
- The sturdy stems of lilies can be used in light basket-weaving projects after they've dried out and lost their pliability.
- Dried lily flowers can be incorporated into potpourris for a mild, sweet fragrance and can add a decorative element to the mix.
- The bloom can be used as a natural dye source, providing subtle colors to fabrics and yarns when boiled down and applied.
- The plant can act as a teaching tool for botany students to study and understand the reproductive system of angiosperms.
- Lily bulbs can serve as a food source for some species of wildlife, supporting the local ecosystem where they are grown.
- Plant enthusiasts can use the lily's growth patterns and requirements as a case study for understanding the needs of temperate climate bulbous plants.
- Lilium 'Lankon' can be used in landscaping to provide vertical accents due to their height and structure, even when not in bloom.
- The blooms can be used in perfumery as inspiration for creating scented candles, perfumes, or room fresheners, although direct extraction of scent may not be feasible.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lilium 'Lankon' or generally referred to as lily, can be utilized in Feng Shui to create a calming atmosphere and introduce a sense of purity and peace into the home. It's often placed in areas where serenity is needed, such as bedrooms or living rooms, to promote a harmonious environment.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity & Virginity: The Lilium variety is a member of the lily family, commonly associated with purity and virginity due to its pristine and delicate appearance, often represented in religious and historical contexts.
- Innocence: Lilies are frequently used to symbolize innocence, particularly in Western cultures, reflecting the unspoiled beauty of the flower.
- Transience of Life: Like many flowers, lilies can also represent the fleeting nature of existence, with their short-lived blooms reminding us of life's ephemeral qualities.
- Renewal & New Beginnings: Their recurring blooming pattern can symbolize rebirth and new opportunities, often celebrated in springtime rituals and ceremonies.
- Royalty & Majesty: Lilies, with their regal bearing and often large, prominent flowers, have been used to symbolize sovereignty and distinction, and are sometimes found in royal coats of arms or emblems.
- Devotion & Partnership: Given as gifts between partners, lilies can represent devotion and a bond between individuals, speaking to mutual respect and admiration.
WaterLankon Lilies should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to once a week. Adjust watering frequency based on weather conditions, watering more frequently during hot, dry spells and less during cool, rainy periods. Use about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply to reach the roots rather than just wetting the surface. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. During the winter dormancy period, reduce watering to prevent bulb rot.
LightLankon Lilies thrive in a location with full sun to partial shade. They prefer at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Plant these lilies in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day, to protect them from the harsh midday sun.
TemperatureLankon Lilies do best in temperatures that range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They can tolerate brief periods of higher or lower temperatures but should be protected from extreme cold or heat. Bulbs should be planted at a depth that protects them from temperature extremes, usually about 4 to 6 inches deep.
PruningPruning Lankon Lilies involves the removal of any dead or yellowing leaves and cutting back stems after the flowers have faded. Prune them right after the blooms have spent, typically in late summer or early fall. This stimulates new growth and helps maintain a tidy appearance. Deadheading, or the removal of old flowers before they set seed, can encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Lankon lily, a hybrid between Lilium longiflorum and Lilium lankongense, would be well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.5. An ideal mix might consist of equal parts loam, leaf mold, or peat, and sharp sand to ensure adequate drainage and fertility. Regular incorporation of compost or well-rotted manure will also benefit the growth of Lankon lilies.
RepottingLankon lilies, as bulbous plants, typically do not require frequent repotting. They can be left undisturbed for several years until the clumps become overcrowded. It is generally recommended to repot or divide clumps every 3 to 4 years to maintain plant vigor and ensure optimal blooming. Repotting should be done after the blooming period, usually in the fall.
Humidity & MistingLankon lilies prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to a wide range of conditions. An ideal humidity range for Lankon lily would be between 40-60%. These plants can survive outside this range but maintaining moderate humidity will contribute to healthier growth and bloom development.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light, cool temps, and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the 'Lankon' Lily, a hybrid between Lilium longiflorum and Lilium lankongense, begins with a dormant bulb planted in the fall before the first frost. In spring, growth begins with the emergence of shoots from the bulb, which develop into stems with leaves. As the plant matures, flower buds form and eventually bloom in mid to late summer, presenting fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers with a distinctive blend of yellow and white with speckles. After flowering, the plant sets seed if pollinated, which can be collected and sown or will naturally disperse in the garden. Throughout its growing season, the 'Lankon' Lily needs ample sunlight, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture. Following the flowering and seeding stage, the foliage begins to yellow and the plant enters dormancy once again as the bulb stores energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The Lilium 'Lankon', commonly referred to as a Lankon lily, is best propagated through bulb scaling, a method that utilizes parts of the bulb to generate new plants. This process is typically carried out in late summer or early fall after the lily has finished blooming. To propagate Lankon lilies using bulb scaling, carefully remove a few scales from the bulb without damaging the basal plate. These scales are then placed in a mix of moist peat and perlite, and kept at a temperature of 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 21 degrees Celsius) to encourage root and bulbil formation. Over the next few weeks, tiny bulbils will emerge at the base of the scales; these can be planted in potting soil after they develop sufficiently to handle, which generally takes a few months. Once established with a strong root system, they can be transplanted outdoors to their permanent location in the garden.
