Japanese Lily Lilium rubellum (Ixb/a)
ABOUT
Lilium rubellum, commonly known as Baker's Lily, is a charming and delicate flowering plant. Its appearance is characterized by a small number of strikingly beautiful and trumpet-shaped flowers, which have a dazzling pink color that adds a touch of grace to the plant. Each of the petals has a smooth and soft texture with a slightly curved back, giving the flowers a refined and elegant look. The flowers are supported by a slender, upright stem that is smooth and green, showcasing the flowers prominently above the foliage. The leaves of Baker's Lily are lance-shaped, with a glossy, deep green color that creates a perfect backdrop for the vibrant pink blooms. The arrangement of the leaves is often in whorls or alternately spaced along the stem, which adds to the plant's structured and aesthetically pleasing form. In the center of the flower, there are prominent stamens that protrude outward, with anthers at their tips that can be dusted with a fine, pollen-laden powder. This feature is not only functional for the reproductive process of the plant but also contributes an additional visual aspect to the overall appearance of the blooms. The overall impression of Baker's Lily is one of delicate beauty and simple elegance, with its spectacular pink flowers and fresh green foliage creating a stunning visual display in any garden setting where it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Baker's Lily, Rubellum Lily
Common names
Lilium rubellum
ToxicityTo humans
Lilium rubellum, commonly known as the Baker's Lily, is not specifically listed as toxic to humans. However, some Lilium species can cause mild to moderate toxic effects if ingested. General symptoms from eating parts of lilies might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It's important for individuals to avoid eating any part of lilies due to potential toxicity and to seek medical attention if ingestion occurs and symptoms develop.
To pets
Lilium rubellum, known as Baker's Lily, is highly toxic to cats. Even small ingestions, such as a few petals or leaves, can lead to severe acute kidney failure. Symptoms of lily poisoning in cats include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased or decreased urination. Without prompt and proper treatment, ingesting Baker's Lily can be fatal to a cat. If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of this plant, seek immediate veterinary attention. Dogs are generally not affected in the same way as cats, but it's still wise to prevent them from ingesting the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Lilium rubellum, commonly known as the Baker's Lily, is appreciated for its decorative appeal due to its beautiful flowers, which can enhance garden aesthetics.
- Habitat Support: Baker's Lily provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Cultural Significance: In some cultures, the Baker's Lily has traditional significance and is used in festivals and ceremonies.
- Garden Variety: This plant can add diversity to plant collections and landscapes with its unique color and form.
- Educational Interest: Plant enthusiasts and botanists may find Baker's Lily of interest for study due to its botany and rarity in certain regions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lilium rubellum, commonly known as baker's lily, can be used for educational purposes in botany classes to illustrate the characteristics of the Liliaceae family.
- The petals of the baker's lily can be a source of natural dyes for textiles, providing various shades of pink and orange depending on the mordant used.
- Dried baker's lily flowers are sometimes used in potpourri mixtures to add a pop of color and a light floral scent to the mixture.
- The sturdy stems of the baker's lily may be utilized in lightweight craft projects, such as making homemade paper or pressed flower arrangements.
- Baker's lily bulbs can be ground to produce a starchy flour, which can be used as a thickening agent in culinary applications, similar to arrowroot or cornstarch.
- Its attractive flowers make baker's lily a popular choice for ornamental use in special occasion bouquets, such as weddings or anniversaries.
- The pollen from baker's lily can be collected and used in art projects for a golden-yellow pigment that is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
- Gardeners may cultivate baker's lily to encourage beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, to pollinate other plants in a home garden.
- The plant is suitable for creating a themed garden area, such as a moon garden, where its light-colored blooms can reflect the moonlight at night.
- Baker's lily seeds can be used in seed art or mosaics, due to their size and the contrast they can provide when placed with other seeds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Baker's Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Frequently, lilies are associated with purity and innocence, often used in religious ceremonies and weddings to symbolize chastity.
- Beauty: Lilium rubellum, also known as the Baker's Lily, often represents exceptional beauty due to its graceful shape and vibrant color.
- Transformation: As lilies transition from bulbs to flowers, they symbolize growth and transformation, sometimes reflecting personal change or spiritual evolution.
- Femininity: The delicate and ornate nature of the Baker's Lily may symbolize femininity and softness, celebrating the qualities traditionally associated with womanhood.
- Renewal: Resembling rebirth and new beginnings, lilies often herald the onset of spring and thus symbolize the renewal of life.
WaterFor the Baker's Lily, you should water it thoroughly, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to reach the root system, approximately twice a week during its growing season. The frequency should be reduced to once a week as the plant enters its dormant phase. The amount of water required can vary based on soil type and climate, but a general rule is to use about a half a gallon per plant for each watering session, ensuring even moisture but avoiding waterlogging.
LightBaker's Lilies thrive in partial shade, particularly in the afternoon when the sun is at its fiercest. The best spot is an area that receives bright, indirect light in the morning with some dappled sunlight or light shade during the hotter part of the day. Direct, intense sunlight can damage the foliage and blooms, so it's preferable to provide some protection during peak sun hours.
TemperatureThe Baker's Lily prefers temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night, but not below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in temperatures as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit but may require additional care, such as increased shading and watering. The plant's growth and flowering may be inhibited by temperatures that consistently exceed this range or dip below the minimum.
PruningPrune Baker's Lilies by removing any dead or yellowing leaves and spent flower stalks to encourage healthy growth and improve the plant's appearance. The best time for pruning is in the late fall or after flowering when the plant begins to enter dormancy. Pruning is typically done on an as-needed basis, and careful removal of aging plant parts can prevent disease and promote a more vigorous bloom in the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Baker's Lily prefers well-draining, rich in organic matter soil with pH between 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of loamy soil, leaf mold and sand works best for optimal growth.
RepottingThe Baker's Lily should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate bulb growth, ideally in the late fall after the plant has finished blooming.
Humidity & MistingThe Baker's Lily thrives best at moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%, avoiding overly dry air or excessive moisture which can lead to problems.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLilium rubellum, commonly known as Baker's Lily, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after a period of dormancy, germinates in the spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are favorable. Upon germination, the plant develops a bulb which acts as a storage organ, providing the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow a stem, leaves, and eventually flowers, typically from late spring to early summer. Following pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the flowers produce seeds that are dispersed by wind or animal activity. The above-ground parts of the plant die back to the ground after flowering, while the bulb enters a period of dormancy, surviving underground through winter. The next spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, sending up new shoots to begin the cycle again. During its lifespan, Baker's Lily may also reproduce asexually through bulb division, allowing the plant to spread and form colonies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Lilium rubellum, also known as the Rubellum Lily, is typically propagated using bulb scaling, which is the most popular method for multiplying lilies. The best time for this process is late summer to early autumn, following the die-back of the foliage, when the bulbs are dormant. To propagate, carefully remove the outer scales from the bulb, ensuring each scale has a portion of the basal plate, where the roots emerge. These scales are then treated with a fungicide to prevent rot and placed in a well-ventilated container with slightly moistened sphagnum peat moss or a similar medium. The container is then stored at approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) until bulblets form at the base of the scales. Once these bulblets have developed enough to handle, usually within a few months, they can be planted in pots or directly into the garden.
