Canada Lily Lilium 'Manitoba Morning' (Iic/c)
ABOUT
The Lilium 'Manitoba Morning' is a striking lily that exhibits a captivating display of flowers, characterized by its vibrant coloration. Each flower features bold, outward-facing petals that come together to form a classic trumpet shape, which lilies are known for. The petals are adorned with a rich, fiery blend of colors, including shades of deep orange, red, and yellow, often with dark speckles or spots that add to the plant's dramatic presentation. These spots are concentrated towards the base of the petals and fade as they move outward. The stamens of this lily extend prominently from the center, tipped with anthers looking dusted with pollen, enriching the visual spectacle of the bloom. The flowers are born on sturdy stalks, and an air of elegance is brought to the ensemble by the delicate green leaves that line the stems below the striking floral display. These leaves are narrow and have a sleek, lance-like shape, creating an attractive contrast with the fullness of the blooms above. Lilium 'Manitoba Morning' adds a radiant pop of color to any garden space, its flowers serving as a stunning focal point due to their size and vibrant hues. This lily is a joy to behold and has an appearance that can enliven the ambiance of its surroundings, inviting a sense of warmth and vivacity to the garden bed it graces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Manitoba Morning Lily, Manitoba Morning Martagon Lily
Common names
Lilium 'Manitoba Morning' (Iic/c)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as the lily, specifically the variety Lilium 'Manitoba Morning', does not typically pose a significant risk of toxicity to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, parts of the plant could potentially lead to minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These events are uncommon, and the lily is generally considered safe around humans, although it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
The lily is highly toxic to cats and can lead to severe consequences if ingested. Even small amounts of any part of the plant, including the petals, leaves, pollen, or water from the vase, can result in acute kidney failure in cats. Symptoms of lily poisoning in pets, especially cats, can include vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and increased or decreased urination. If left untreated, ingestion can lead to kidney failure and potentially be fatal. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if a cat is suspected to have ingested any part of a lily.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
9-12 inches (23-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Adds vibrant color and aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes with its striking flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: Welcomes beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, aiding in the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Hardiness: Resilient to various environmental conditions and can withstand cold climates due to its hardiness zone adaptability.
- Versatile Planting: Can be planted in borders, containers, or as a cut flower in bouquets, providing versatility in its use.
- Seasonal Beauty: Contributes to seasonal interest in the garden, with blooms typically appearing in the summer.
- Rapid Growth: Exhibits fast growth, allowing gardeners to enjoy its blooms within a relatively short period after planting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subjects: The striking beauty of the Lily 'Manitoba Morning' makes it an excellent subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in floral and nature photography.
- Wedding Decor: Because of their elegant and vibrant appearance, these lilies are often used in wedding bouquets and decorations to add a touch of natural splendor to the ceremony.
- Crafts: The dried petals of the Lily 'Manitoba Morning' can be used in homemade crafts, including potpourri blends or pressed flower arrangements.
- Culinary Garnishing: Although not typically known as an edible flower, the petals can be used for decorative garnishing on fancy dishes in high-end culinary settings.
- Art Inspiration: The vibrant colors and shapes of these lilies can inspire artists to create paintings, drawings, and other forms of visual art.
- Educational Tools: These lilies can be used in botany classes or workshops for educational demonstrations on plant growth, anatomy, and hybridization techniques.
- Fashion Design: The intricate patterns and colors of the Lily 'Manitoba Morning' petals may inspire textile patterns and fabric designs in the fashion industry.
- Color Palettes: Interior designers and decorators might use the unique color combinations of these lilies to inspire color palettes for rooms and living spaces.
- Perfumery: While not common, the subtle fragrance of Lily 'Manitoba Morning' could be studied and potentially used in creating unique, floral-based perfumes.
- Symbolic Gifts: As each type of lily often carries symbolic meaning, 'Manitoba Morning' lilies could be presented as gifts representing specific sentiments or to celebrate particular occasions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lilium, commonly known as Lily, can be used in Feng Shui to attract positive energy or chi into your home and to create a calm, peaceful environment. It is often associated with purity and renewal. Place the lilies in areas that need an uplifting energy boost, such as the living room or bedroom.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity - Lilies are commonly associated with purity and innocence, often used in religious ceremonies and weddings to symbolize these virtues.
- Motherhood - In some cultures, lilies represent motherhood and fertility, celebrating the bond between mother and child.
- Renewal and Rebirth - The blooming of lilies in the spring associates them with renewal and the idea of rebirth, reminiscent of the awakening of nature after winter.
- Transcendence - The lily is often seen as a symbol transcending the physical realm, representing spiritual enlightenment and the journey beyond.
- Passion - While white lilies suggest purity, other hues, like the vibrant colors of 'Manitoba Morning', may indicate more intense emotions, such as ardor and love.
WaterAsiatic Lily 'Manitoba Morning' should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once a week during active growth periods, especially in the absence of rainfall. Provide about 1 gallon of water per plant to ensure deep soil penetration, encouraging strong root development. During the dormant season in winter, reduce watering frequency to avoid waterlogging and root rot. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightAsiatic Lily 'Manitoba Morning' flourishes in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it tolerates some light afternoon shade, prolonged shade can lead to poor blooming and weak stems.
TemperatureAsiatic Lilies, including the 'Manitoba Morning' variety, thrive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter when dormant. The ideal temperature conditions for active growth are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Asiatic Lily 'Manitoba Morning' is primarily done after flowering to remove spent blooms and prevent seed production, which can drain the plant's energy. Prune back to just above a healthy set of leaves, and in the fall, cut back the stems after they die back naturally. Pruning is typically performed annually at the end of the blooming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for asiatic lilies such as 'Manitoba Morning' should be well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil with added perlite or sand for drainage, and organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure will provide the necessary nutrients and structure.
RepottingAsiatic lilies like 'Manitoba Morning' typically don't require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted when the bulbs become overcrowded, usually every 3 to 4 years, to ensure continued vigor and optimal blooming.
Humidity & MistingAsiatic lilies such as 'Manitoba Morning' prefer moderate humidity levels. Ideal humidity for these lilies is between 40% to 60%, which will support healthy growth without the risk of mold or rot developing on the plant or in the soil.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light, and keep the soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Lilium 'Manitoba Morning', also known more simply as a lily, begins with a bulb planted in well-drained soil in late fall or early spring. The bulb germinates, putting out roots and a shoot that grows into a stem with leaves. As the plant matures, the stem elongates and leaves expand, photosynthesizing to provide energy for growth. Flower buds develop and eventually bloom into the characteristic large, colorful flowers for which lilies are known, typically in late spring to summer. After pollination, the flowers produce seed capsules which, upon maturation, split open to disperse seeds. The plant then goes dormant, with the bulb resting underground during the cold months, conserving energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The ideal time to propagate a Lilium 'Manitoba Morning', commonly known as the Manitoba Morning Lily, is in the fall, after the plant has finished blooming and the foliage has started to die back. The most popular method of propagation for this lily is by division of its bulbs. Gardeners typically dig up the bulbs when they are dormant, being careful not to damage them. Each bulb can be gently pulled apart at the natural dividing lines, with each section containing a few scales and at least one bud. These individual bulbs can then be replanted immediately at a depth about three times the height of the bulb, spaced approximately 12 inches (roughly 30 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate room for growth. This method not only helps to propagate new plants but also revitalizes older clumps that may have become too dense, ensuring the health and vigor of the plants.
