Vancouver Lily Lilium 'Vancouver' (PBR) (Viia-b/b)
ABOUT
The Lilium 'Vancouver', commonly known as a type of Lily, showcases a stunning display of vibrant color and elegant form. This particular variety is known for its large and beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers, which emerge in a striking blend of colors. These blooms typically feature a rich, creamy base color that gradually transitions to vibrant pink or magenta at the petals' edges. Each petal may also boast an array of freckles or spots in a complementary color, adding to the flower's visual interest. The blossoms of the Lilium 'Vancouver' are arranged in clusters at the top of tall, sturdy stems, surrounded by a lush arrangement of narrow, green leaves that gracefully elongate from the base of the plant. The leaves form a kind of verdant collar around the stem, providing a contrasting backdrop that further accentuates the vivid hues of the flowers. These lilies have a bold and eye-catching appearance, with the layered petals sometimes curling back gently towards the stem, giving the flowers a sense of depth and dimension. Their striking colors and large flower size make them a favorite among gardeners for creating a focal point in garden beds, borders, and floral arrangements. Additionally, the sweet and intoxicating fragrance of their blooms can fill the surrounding air, making them a delightful addition to any space where a natural perfume is desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Vancouver Lily, Asiatic Lily 'Vancouver'
Common names
Lilium 'Vancouver' (PBR) (Viia-b/b).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Lily is considered toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant, including the petals, leaves, stem, and bulb, contain compounds that can cause adverse reactions. Symptoms of lily poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Handling the plant can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The Lily plant is highly toxic to cats and can be potentially toxic to dogs if ingested. For cats, even small amounts of any part of the plant, including the pollen or water from the vase, can cause severe kidney damage. Symptoms of lily poisoning in pets, particularly cats, can include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and kidney failure, which can be fatal without prompt veterinary treatment. Dog poisoning is less common but may result in mild gastrointestinal upset. It is crucial to keep lilies out of reach of pets, and if ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: The Lilium 'Vancouver' adds vibrant color and aesthetic beauty to gardens with its striking flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: It attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of lily is known for being relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it can provide recurring blooms each year with proper care.
- Landscaping Versatility: The plant can be used in various garden designs, including borders, containers, and as focal points.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are long-lasting when cut, making them ideal for floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in the summer, adding interest to the garden during this season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lily 'Vancouver' petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a subtle and unique color depending on the mordant used.
- The sturdy stems of the Lily 'Vancouver' can be incorporated into floral art, such as creating natural frames or woven panels.
- Dried Lily 'Vancouver' flowers can be used in potpourri to add fragrance and color to a room.
- Pressed Lily 'Vancouver' flowers can be used in crafting, such as making bookmarks or decorating homemade paper.
- Lily 'Vancouver' seeds, once dried, can be used as beads for jewelry making, offering an organic and unique touch to handmade accessories.
- The flowers can be candied and used as an elegant garnish for desserts, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
- Flower essences made from Lily 'Vancouver' can be used in aromatherapy for their supposed emotional and spiritual balancing properties.
- During special events, floating Lily 'Vancouver' flowers in water bowls can serve as serene table centerpieces.
- The large leaves of the Lily 'Vancouver' can be used as natural serving dishes for small appetizers during garden parties.
- Photographers can use Lily 'Vancouver' as a subject to practice macro photography, capturing the intricate details of the flower.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lily, when used in Feng Shui, is typically associated with purity, spiritual enlightenment, and the cycle of life. Its blossoms can bring a sense of tranquility and peace to an environment. In Feng Shui practice, place Lilies in areas of the home where you wish to promote a calming and rejuvenating energy, such as the bedroom or living room, to help foster a space of serenity and harmony.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: As a member of the lily family, the Lilium 'Vancouver' often symbolizes purity and chastity, which is a common association with the white lily varieties.
- Renewal: The lily often represents renewal and rebirth, as these flowers are amongst the first to bloom in the spring signaling the end of winter.
- Passion: The vibrant colors of the Lilium 'Vancouver' can also signify passion and enthusiasm, making it a symbol for a zest for life.
- Motherhood: In some cultures, lilies are associated with motherhood and fertility because of their full, rounded blooms.
- Transitions: The lifecycle of the lily, from a bulb to a beautiful flower, symbolizes the soul's journey from earthly experiences to spiritual enlightenment or the afterlife.
WaterThe Vancouver Lily requires consistent moist soil, so water this plant when the top inch of soil becomes dry. The frequency typically ranges from once a week to more often during hot, dry periods. Use a gentle pour of water around the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, with about 1 gallon of water per plant each watering session.
LightThe Vancouver Lily thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Place it in a location where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, but where it also may be shielded from the intense afternoon sun if you live in a hotter climate.
TemperatureThe Vancouver Lily prefers moderate temperatures and does well between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's important to protect them from frost and to not expose them to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
PruningPrune dead or fading flowers from the Vancouver Lily to encourage more blooms and prevent seed production. After flowering has ended for the season, cut back the stalks to keep the plant tidy. Pruning is typically done immediately after the blooming period ends.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Vancouver lily thrives in well-draining soil with high organic matter content. A mix of loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand in equal parts is ideal. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingVancouver lilies should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the bulb outgrows its pot. This will typically be when roots become crowded and start to circle the container.
Humidity & MistingVancouver lilies prefer moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 40-60%. Avoid overly dry air which can stress the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Lilium 'Vancouver' begins its life cycle as a bulb planted in well-drained soil, where it undergoes a period of dormancy before emerging in spring. During the growth stage, the stem, leaves, and buds develop, leading up to the flowering stage in early to mid-summer, when it produces large, vibrant flowers. After blooming, the plant enters the pollination stage, where insects such as bees help fertilize the flowers, potentially leading to seed formation. If not deadheaded, the plant may produce seed pods, which mature and eventually disperse seeds for the next generation. Once flowering is complete, the plant begins to yellow and wither in the senescence stage, retreating back to the bulb, where it stores energy for the next growing season. With proper care and under the right conditions, the cycle repeats annually, as the plant goes dormant again in late fall or winter, to survive until the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Lilium 'Vancouver', commonly known as the Vancouver Lily, is through bulb scaling. This is typically done in the late summer after the lily has finished blooming, when the bulb is most dormant. The propagator carefully peels away scales from the outer layers of the bulb, ensuring each scale has a portion of the basal plate, which is necessary for generating new plants. These scales are then placed in a mix of equal parts peat and perlite and kept at a high humidity level, often within a plastic bag or container to maintain moisture. The scales will eventually produce bulblets, and after a period of growth, these can be potted individually or planted out into the garden. This process allows for the multiplication of lilies without compromising the health or bloom of the parent plant.
