Purple Eye Lily Lilium 'Purple Eye' (Ia-b/b)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Purple Eye' is recognized for its captivating flowers, which are the most striking feature. Each flower showcases large petals that are often a rich, vibrant color, commonly set against a dramatic 'eye' that is usually a darker or contrasting hue, often resembling the color purple. The petals might display a mix of colors, which can include gradients from the base to the tip, enhancing their visual appeal. The flowers are arranged in a way that they spread out from the center of the plant, often in an upward and outward fashion, which makes the plant look full and inviting. The petals themselves can have a variety of textures, from silky smooth to slightly ruffled edges, contributing to the overall lush appearance of each bloom. Lush foliage usually accompanies the flowers, with leaves that are generally long, slender, and glossy, adding to the plant's aesthetic with a rich green color. The leaves may grow in whorls or spirals evenly spaced along the stem, creating a neat and organized look that contrasts nicely with the flamboyant flowers. The bloom season of 'Purple Eye' adds to its appeal, as it tends to flower when many garden plants are at their peak, offering a complementary display to the gardener's palette. The overall impression of the 'Purple Eye' is one of exotic beauty, with its distinctive coloring and floral arrangement making it a standout addition to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Purple Eye Lily
Common names
Lilium 'Purple Eye' (Ia-b/b).
ToxicityTo humans
Lilium 'Purple Eye', commonly known as a type of lily, is considered to be mildly toxic to humans. While it can cause minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested, lilies are generally not considered dangerously toxic to humans. However, it is important to be cautious, especially with children and individuals with sensitivities who might be more affected if they consume any part of the plant.
To pets
Lilium 'Purple Eye', or simply lily, is extremely toxic to cats and potentially toxic to dogs. In cats, even small amounts can cause severe kidney damage, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms of lily poisoning in cats may include vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and kidney failure, which may occur within a few days. In dogs, the level of toxicity is lower, but can still cause gastrointestinal upset. Any pet suspected of ingesting lilies should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: The striking purple flowers with 'Purple Eye' accents contribute vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The brightly colored flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatile Landscaping: Suitable for borders, beds, and as cut flowers, providing flexibility in garden design and indoor decoration.
- Seasonal Interest: Typically blooms in late spring to early summer, adding seasonal beauty to the garden when many other plants are not in peak display.
- Durable Blooms: The flowers are known for their long-lasting nature, both on the plant and as cut flowers for bouquets.
- Easy to Grow: Lilium 'Purple Eye' is considered relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Cultural Symbolism: Lilies are often associated with purity and renewal, making them a meaningful addition to gardens with a symbolic element.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lilium 'Purple Eye', commonly known as a type of Lily, can be used to create natural dyes due to its pigmentation, particularly for fabric arts and crafts.
- As a teaching tool in horticulture and botany classes, students can study the hybridization and genetics of this variety.
- The strong stems of lilies can be used in lightweight construction for model making, such as for architectural models or dioramas.
- Lily petals are used in some cultures for culinary decoration, adding an exotic touch to gourmet dishes.
- The flowers can be pressed and included in handcrafted paper to create unique textures and designs for stationery.
- Dried Lily flowers are incorporated into potpourris to add fragrance and color for home decoration.
- In photography, Lilium 'Purple Eye' serves as a striking subject for photographers practicing macro and nature photography techniques.
- Creative floral waters or infusions can be made from the petals for use in homemade cosmetics, excluding any internal use.
- The vibrant petals can be used in artwork, such as being cast in resin to make ornamental pieces or jewelry.
- Lily bloom events can be a tourist attraction for gardens and parks showcasing unique and lesser-known cultivars.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant commonly known as the Lily is often used in Feng Shui to bring about purity, peace, and abundance. With its vibrant purple eye, it can also be associated with enhancing the Fire element, which is connected with passion and recognition. The plant could be placed in the wealth corner of a home – the southeast – to attract financial prosperity or in the fame and reputation area – the south – to enhance one's social status.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Royalty: The color purple has long been associated with royalty and nobility, and thus, the 'Purple Eye' lily can symbolize regal splendor and majesty.
- Enchantment: The 'Purple Eye' lily, with its striking appearance, often represents enchantment or the ability to bewitch someone, alluding to its captivating beauty.
- Pride: Drawing from its regal connotations, this lily can also be a symbol of pride, both in a positive sense of self-respect or in the negative sense of arrogance.
- Mystery: Its deep purple hue and unique appearance lend the 'Purple Eye' lily an air of mystery, often symbolizing the unknown or the mysterious.
- Passion: While red is most commonly associated with passion, purple also signifies a deep and fervent form of love and desire, making the 'Purple Eye' lily a symbol of passionate feelings.
WaterThe Stargazer lily, another name for Lilium 'Purple Eye', prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. During active growth in the spring and summer, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically amounts to once or twice a week depending on climate conditions. A deep watering is preferable, ensuring water reaches the roots; use about 1 gallon of water per plant each time to sufficiently hydrate the soil. Reduce watering frequency in the fall as the plant goes dormant and cease watering entirely during winter if the plant is in a cold region where it is not actively growing.
LightStargazer lilies thrive in full sunlight, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Place the plant in a location where it can receive abundant sunlight without being shaded by larger plants or structures. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the lilies from excessive heat.
TemperatureStargazer lilies are hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from about 60°F to 85°F for optimal growth. They can survive minimum temperatures down to roughly 1°F to -30°F if properly mulched in the winter. Ideal growing conditions include daytime temperatures around 70°F to 75°F and cooler night temperatures, which help in promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
PruningPruning Stargazer lilies involves removing spent flowers and seed pods to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. At the end of the blooming season, typically after the first frost, cut back the stems to just above ground level. Pruning is not required throughout the active growing season unless it is to remove damaged or diseased foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Purple Eye Lily thrives best in a well-draining soil mix composed of loam, sand, and peat with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 to allow proper root growth and nutrient uptake.
RepottingThe Purple Eye Lily should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growing bulbs, typically after the blooming period or in the fall.
Humidity & MistingThe Purple Eye Lily prefers moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%, for optimal growth, avoiding excessively dry air which may damage the leaves.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
Purple Eye Lily is suitable for 4-9 USDA hardiness zones.
Life cycleThe life cycle of Lilium 'Purple Eye', commonly known as a lily, begins with bulb planting, typically in late fall or early spring. The bulbs then germinate, setting roots and sending up shoots, which develop into stem and leaves as temperatures rise. The lily undergoes a vegetative growth phase where leaves expand and the stem elongates until it is ready to flower. Following pollination, if successful, the plant will produce seeds that mature over the summer. Once seeds are dispersed, the above-ground part of the plant begins to wither, and the plant enters a period of dormancy, drawing energy back into the bulb. In subsequent seasons, the lily will repeat this cycle, often with the bulb multiplying to give rise to new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Lilium 'Purple Eye', also known as lily 'Purple Eye', is through bulb division. This process involves gently removing the mother plant from the soil after the foliage has died back, usually in late fall. The offsets, which are smaller bulblets attached to the base of the main bulb, can be carefully separated. These bulblets should be replanted immediately at a depth approximately three times their height, spaced about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. It's essential to ensure good drainage and to plant them in a location that receives adequate sunlight. Water the newly planted bulbs gently to settle the soil and to provide adequate moisture for root development.
