Netty's Pride Lily Lilium 'Netty's Pride' (Ia/b-c)
ABOUT
Lilium 'Netty's Pride', commonly known as an Asiatic lily, is a striking perennial flower marked by its bold, eye-catching blooms. The flowers display an exotic color combination, with petals showcasing a deep burgundy or maroon at the base, gradually transitioning to white edges. These petals often have a soft, velvety texture and may show a slight sheen, which enhances their sophisticated appearance. The blooms are large and typically trumpet-shaped with a slight recurve to the petals, giving them an elegant, slightly flared look. Each flower comprises six petal-like segments, including three true petals and three sepals, all of which are similar in color and appearance. The contrast between the dark base and the lighter tips is quite dramatic and makes the plant a focal point in any garden setting. At the center of the blossom, contrasting stamen rise prominently, adding to the ornamental nature of the flower. The pollen-bearing anthers perched atop the stamen are typically of a rich, chocolate brown hue or a similar dark tone that complements the petal colors. The foliage of Lilium 'Netty's Pride' consists of long, narrow, lanceolate leaves, which are dark green and have a glossy texture. The leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern up the stem, setting a lush backdrop that makes the bright flowers stand out even more. Overall, the Asiatic lily 'Netty's Pride' is celebrated for its distinctive bicolored flowers, creating a bold statement in gardens with its striking color patterns and elegant flower shape. It brings a touch of sophistication and depth to garden beds and borders, as well as providing an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Asiatic Lily, Netty's Pride.
Common names
Lilium 'Netty's Pride'.
ToxicityTo humans
Asiatic Lily, including the 'Netty's Pride' cultivar, has parts that are considered toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, contain compounds that can cause adverse effects. Symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. It is important to seek medical attention if ingestion occurs, as symptoms can be severe depending on the quantity consumed.
To pets
Asiatic Lily, including the 'Netty's Pride' cultivar, is highly toxic to cats. Ingesting even small amounts of any part of the plant can lead to severe kidney damage. Symptoms of lily poisoning in pets can include vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, kidney failure, and if not treated promptly by a veterinarian, can be fatal. Dog owners should be cautious too, as lilies may cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, but they are not as dangerously toxic to dogs as they are to cats.
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
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest with striking white and burgundy blooms.
- Garden Diversity: Contributes to biodiversity by attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, suitable for many gardeners.
- Perennial Growth: Returns year after year, providing long-term garden enjoyment.
- Adaptability: Can be grown in a variety of climates and soil conditions.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in the summer, offering seasonal color when many other plants are not flowering.
- Cut Flowers: Suitable for bouquets and arrangements, with long-lasting blooms.
- Border Planting: Ideal for borders due to its upright growth habit and striking coloration.
- Container Gardening: Can be grown in pots or containers for patios and balconies.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting natural dyes: Petals of the Asiatic Lily can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering hues from soft pinks to deep maroons depending on the mordant used.
- Photography prop: With its striking color contrast, the Asiatic Lily can serve as an exquisite focal point for floral photography.
- Garden theme inspiration: Its distinctive pattern can inspire a black and white themed garden.
- Culinary decoration: Although not commonly eaten, the petals can be used to decorate cakes and desserts for an elegant touch (only if certain it is free from pesticides).
- Perfumery: The scent of the Asiatic Lily can be captured and used to create unique, floral-based perfumes.
- Educational tool: This lily can be used in botany classes to teach hybridization and lily characteristics.
- Artistic muse: The striking appearance inspires artists to incorporate its form and colors into paintings and illustrations.
- Floral crafts: Dried petals can be used in potpourri or incorporated into homemade paper for texture and color.
- Wedding decor: As a symbol of purity and celebration, Asiatic lilies can be used in wedding bouquets and centerpieces.
- Ice cubes: Freezing the smaller blooms into ice cubes for an elegant addition to drinks at a summer garden party.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Asiatic Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Asiatic Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: As a type of lily, 'Netty's Pride' often symbolizes purity due to the lily's association with the Virgin Mary in Christian iconography and its clean, refined appearance.
- Commitment: Lilies are commonly associated with weddings, which reflect the commitment between partners; 'Netty's Pride', with its striking blooms, continues this association.
- Renewal: The lily is a symbol of renewal and rebirth, particularly because it's a perennial that returns each year, and 'Netty's Pride' shares in this symbolism with its recurring blooms.
- Transformation: This variety of lily may represent transformation due to the impressive transformation from bulb to a beautiful flower, echoing profound changes in life.
- Motherhood: In some cultures, lilies are associated with motherhood and fertility; 'Netty's Pride', as a part of the lily family, can carry this meaning as well.
WaterAsiatic lily 'Netty's Pride' requires moderate and consistent watering during the spring and summer growing season. It's best to water once the top inch of soil begins to feel dry, which typically translates to watering once a week. However, frequency will depend on climate conditions; more frequent watering may be necessary during particularly hot or windy weather. Provide about 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring it reaches the roots without waterlogging the soil. During the dormant season in fall and winter, reduce watering significantly and only water lightly every few weeks to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightAsiatic lily 'Netty's Pride' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The plant should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth. Planting them in a spot that gets morning sunlight and afternoon shade can help protect the blooms from the intense heat of the day.
TemperatureAsiatic lily 'Netty's Pride' grows well in a range of temperatures, from a minimum of 40 degrees Fahrenheit to a maximum of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, the lily prefers temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for robust growth. Make sure to plant them in an area that doesn't receive extreme cold or frost, as this can damage the plant.
PruningAsiatic lily 'Netty's Pride' requires minimal pruning. After the blooms have faded, you can remove the spent flower heads to maintain the plant's appearance. However, leave the stems and leaves in place, as they will continue to gather sunlight and provide nourishment for the bulb for the next year. In late fall or early winter, once the foliage has died back, you can prune the stems down to the ground.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAsiatic Lilies, including 'Netty's Pride', prefer well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. A mixture containing equal parts of loam, peat moss, and sand or perlite is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and aeration. Organic matter such as compost can also be included to enrich the soil and support healthy growth.
RepottingAsiatic Lilies, like 'Netty's Pride', generally don't need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should only be repotted when they become overcrowded or when the soil's condition deteriorates. This might be every 3-4 years, depending on the growth of the lily bulbs.
Humidity & MistingAsiatic Lilies, such as 'Netty's Pride', are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefer moderate conditions. They do not require a highly humid environment; average room humidity is generally sufficient for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, adequate water, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Place in well-draining soil, full sun to part shade area.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Asiatic Lily 'Netty's Pride' begins its life cycle as a bulb, which undergoes a period of dormancy typically during the winter months. In spring, the bulb sends up shoots and leaves, emerging from the soil and developing into a stem that will bear flowers. The plant produces blooms typically in early to mid-summer, with distinctive white-edged, burgundy-black petals that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed in capsules if pollination has been successful. As summer ends, the above-ground foliage of 'Netty's Pride' dies back and the plant enters another dormancy phase, where the bulb conserves energy to survive through the winter. The following spring, this perennial bulb regrows, restarting its cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Lilium 'Netty's Pride', commonly known as the Asiatic Lily, is most popularly propagated through bulb division. This is a straightforward process that involves gently separating bulblets from the main bulb when the plant is dormant, typically in the fall after the foliage has died back. To propagate, carefully unearth the lily bulbs and remove the small bulblets that have formed around the base. These bulblets can then be replanted immediately at a depth of approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm), ensuring they are spaced about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart to allow for ample growing room. It's crucial to plant them in well-drained soil with good exposure to sunlight and to water them moderately to establish the young plants. With proper care, these bulblets will develop into mature lilies over a couple of growing seasons.
