St Bernard's lily 'Major' Anthericum liliago 'Major'

Water

St. Bernard's lily should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. This typically means watering it every 7 to 10 days, depending on the temperature and humidity levels of the environment. It's best to water deeply and less frequently rather than little and often. When you do water, aim to provide approximately half a gallon per square foot every two weeks during its active growing season. During winter, reduce watering to match the plant's decreased growth and evaporation rates.

Light

St. Bernard's lily thrives best in partial sun to light shade conditions. A spot that receives morning sunlight and is shaded during the intense heat of the afternoon is ideal. Avoid placing it in full, harsh sun as this can scorch the leaves and compromise the plant's health. Providing a few hours of soft sunlight daily will meet its light requirements and encourage healthy growth.

Temperature

St. Bernard's lily prefers moderate temperatures and performs well in conditions that are consistently between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth might slow as it approaches this lower limit. It should be protected from temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, as excessive heat can be detrimental to the plant.

Pruning

St. Bernard's lily requires minimal pruning, mostly just to remove spent flower stalks after blooming and to cut back any dead or yellowing leaves. This helps to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning is best done immediately after the flowering period finishes. Regularly deadheading, or removing the dead flower heads, will also promote further flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

St. Bernard's lily (Anthericum liliago 'Major') thrives in well-draining soil with a loamy composition, enriched with organic matter. A blend of two parts garden soil, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

St. Bernard's lily does not require frequent repotting; it's best to repot it every two to three years. Repotting should be done in the spring, just before the active growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

St. Bernard's lily prefers moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. It is essential to ensure that the plant is not in a constantly dry environment, particularly during active growth and flowering periods.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place St. Bernard's lily in bright, indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, sheltered from intense afternoon sun.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Anthericum liliago 'Major', commonly known as St. Bernard's Lily, begins its life as a seed, germinating in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade exposure. Upon germination, it develops a root system and foliage in the form of grass-like leaves, entering a growth phase where it establishes itself. After a period of vegetative growth, it reaches maturity and produces tall flowering stalks with star-shaped white flowers, usually in late spring to early summer. Following pollination, which is aided by insects attracted to the flowers, the plant sets seed that can be dispersed to produce new plants. After the flowering season, the foliage may die back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, wherein it conserves energy in the underground bulb until the next growing season. This perennial life cycle repeats annually, with the plant growing larger and producing more blooms as it matures over the years.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Anthericum liliago 'Major', commonly known as St Bernard's lily, is often propagated through division, which is a popular and straightforward method for this perennial plant. This process is best done in early spring or after the plant has finished flowering in late summer or early fall. To propagate by division, gently lift the plant from the ground using a garden fork, taking care to minimize root damage. Shake off excess soil and use your hands or a sharp knife to separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has a good root system attached. Replant these divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method of propagation allows gardeners to quickly expand their collection of St Bernard's lily while maintaining the health and vigor of their plants.