Lily Lilium 'Theodor Haber'
ABOUT
Lilium 'Theodor Haber', commonly known as a type of Lily, is marked by its striking flowers that are the highlights of its appearance. Its flowers have a trumpet-like shape, which is typical of many lilies, featuring large, prominent blossoms that command attention. They usually exhibit a dazzling array of colors, often with gradients or different shades across the petals. Depending on the particular hybrid, the petals might display an array of speckles, spots, or brush strokes that greatly enhance their ornamental appeal. The tips of the petals may gently recurve, adding to the overall elegance and poise of the bloom. The plant's foliage consists of long, narrow, dark green leaves that are arranged in whorls or spirals along the length of the stem. These leaves create a lush backdrop for the flowers, highlighting their beauty when they are in bloom. Flowers are typically borne on sturdy stems that rise up from the base of the plant, and the arrangement of the flowers can be such that they face upwards, outwards, or may droop slightly. The bloom time is generally in summer, making it a plant that adds visual interest to gardens during that time. Overall, Lilium 'Theodor Haber' is prized for its captivating flowers that can serve as a centerpiece in bouquets, as well as in garden beds and borders where they are cultivated not only for their beauty but also for the pleasant fragrance that can permeate the area around them.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Theodor Haber Lily, Lilium 'Theodor Haber'
Common names
Lilium 'Theodor Haber'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lilies, including the variety 'Theodor Haber', can pose a toxicity risk when ingested by humans, especially for certain groups such as children and pets. In humans, consuming parts of the lily plant may result in minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, lilies are not as toxic to humans as they are to cats and ingestion typically does not result in severe poisoning. If any part of a lily plant is ingested, it is advisable to seek medical attention to manage symptoms and to prevent any potential complications.
To pets
Lilies, including the 'Theodor Haber' variety, are extremely toxic to cats. Even small amounts of any part of the plant, including the pollen, leaves, stem, or flowers, can result in severe, acute kidney failure. Symptoms of lily poisoning in cats can appear within a few hours of ingestion and may include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and dehydration. Without prompt veterinary treatment, ingesting lilies can be fatal for cats. In contrast, dogs may experience mild digestive upset if they ingest lilies. It is crucial for pet owners to prevent their pets, especially cats, from accessing any part of lily plants. If a pet is suspected of having ingested any portion of a lily, immediate veterinary attention is critical.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Lilium 'Theodor Haber', commonly known as a lily, adds beauty to gardens with its striking flowers, enhancing visual enjoyment.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides nectar and pollen for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Lilies are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, making them suitable for many gardeners.
- Versatility in Landscape Design: Lilies can be used in a variety of garden designs, from borders to containers, providing flexibility in landscaping.
- Cultural Significance: Lilies hold various symbolic meanings in different cultures, often representing purity and refined beauty, and can be part of themed gardens.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in the summer, providing seasonal interest and color when many other plants may not be flowering.
- Cut Flowers: Lilies are excellent for cutting gardens, providing long-lasting flowers for indoor arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lilium 'Theodor Haber', commonly known as lily, can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, providing a range of colors depending on the part of the plant used.
- The petals of the lily can be crystallized with sugar and used as edible decorations for desserts and cakes, adding a touch of elegance.
- Its sturdy stems can be utilized in lightweight construction projects, such as making trellises for other plants in the garden.
- The lily's spent blooms may serve as an organic addition to compost, contributing to a nutrient-rich soil conditioner for gardens and potted plants.
- Pressed lily flowers are perfect for creating unique bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed art pieces, preserving their beauty in a different form.
- Lilium 'Theodor Haber' can be planted as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators, helping to increase the yield of crops.
- Dried lily petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures, contributing their fragrance and color to the blend.
- Lily bulbs, once done blooming, can be reused in art projects, like carving or painting, to create eco-friendly craft items.
- During flowering season, the lily can be a focal point for photography enthusiasts, offering a subject for practicing macro and nature photography.
- As part of a floral arrangement, lilies provide a natural means to balance humidity in a room by releasing moisture through transpiration.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLilies are often used in Feng Shui to bring a sense of peace and purity to a space. They are believed to have a cleansing effect on the environment, removing negative energies. Lilium 'Theodor Haber', commonly known as lily, can be placed in areas of the home where you want to introduce a calming and tranquil energy, such as the bedroom or living room. However, it's important to keep lilies out of bedrooms where couples sleep as they are thought to bring in solitary energy which could affect the relationship.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: As a member of the lily family, the Lilium 'Theodor Haber', commonly known as the lily, often symbolizes purity and virtue.
- Beauty: Lilies are frequently associated with beauty due to their elegant and striking appearance.
- Renewal: The blooming of lilies, often in spring, can represent new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Motherhood: In some cultures, lilies are connected to motherhood and fertility because of their full, rounded blooms.
- Transcendence: The height at which lilies hold their flowers can be emblematic of transcendence or striving towards the divine.
- Passion: Some lily varieties, particularly those with deep red hues, can signify passion and romantic love.
- Grief: White lilies, specifically, may be used in funerary arrangements to express sorrow and mourning.
WaterThe Oriental Lily, commonly known as Lilium 'Theodor Haber', prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. It's best to water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water per plant. During the active growth period in spring and early summer, you may need to water more frequently, especially if the weather is very hot or windy. Make sure the top inch of soil is dry before watering again to prevent overwatering. During the fall and winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly to prevent rot.
LightOriental Lilies thrive in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. They require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but can benefit from some afternoon shade in hotter climates to protect the blooms from scorching. An ideal spot would be one where morning sunlight is abundant and the plant is shielded from the intense late-day sun.
TemperatureOriental Lilies can tolerate a range from about 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer cooler nighttime temperatures and a daytime temperature around 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep them protected from sudden temperature drops and frost, which can damage the plant.
PruningOriental Lilies require minimal pruning, mainly to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent blooms to maintain plant health and appearance. Prune after blooming, cutting back the flower stalks to the base once all the flowers have faded. This allows the plant to focus its energy on the bulb for next year's growth. The best time for pruning is late fall or whenever the foliage and stems have died back naturally.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for an Asiatic Lily, which Lilium 'Theodor Haber' is a cultivar of, should be rich, well-draining loam. It is beneficial to add organic matter such as compost or peat moss to enhance soil fertility and drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingAsiatic Lilies, including Lilium 'Theodor Haber', typically do not need to be repotted frequently as they are perennial plants. Division or repotting should be done every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain plant vigor.
Humidity & MistingAsiatic Lilies like Lilium 'Theodor Haber' prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to less humid conditions as long as their soil moisture needs are met through regular watering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure soil is well-draining.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil and space bulbs 20 cm apart.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Lilium 'Theodor Haber', commonly known as a type of Oriental lily, begins its life as a bulb, which will break dormancy in spring as temperatures rise. The bulb sends up shoots, which develop into sturdy stems and leaves, forming a rosette at the base. As the plant matures, buds form at the tip of the stem and eventually bloom into large, fragrant flowers typically in mid to late summer. After flowering, the plant undergoes pollination, which, if successful, leads to the development of seed pods. Once the seeds mature, the pod dries and releases the seeds, completing the plant's reproductive cycle. The foliage dies back to the ground in late fall, and the bulb lies dormant over the winter, ready to restart the cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Lilium 'Theodor Haber', commonly known as a type of Lily, is frequently propagated by scaling, which is the most popular method. This involves carefully breaking off individual scales from the basal plate of the bulb when the plant is dormant, typically in late autumn. These scales, once removed, are placed in a bag containing moist vermiculite or a mix of peat and perlite and stored at a warm temperature around 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 21 degrees Celsius) for about 6 to 8 weeks. During this period, small bulblets will form at the base of the scales, which can then be planted separately once they are of adequate size. Ensure these newly formed bulblets are kept at consistent moisture levels after planting to encourage successful growth.
