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Madonna lily

How to identify Madonna lily (Lilium candidum)

Madonna lily

Madonna lily is characterized by its stately white blooms that emit a pleasant fragrance. These trumpet-shaped flowers collectively form an inviting display in late spring to early summer. The plant reaches a height of up to 3 feet (90 cm), and the blooms are arranged on sturdy stems above the basal foliage. The green leaves provide an elegant backdrop for the significantly contrasting white petals. For optimal growth, madonna lily thrives with its bulb covered by approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil and a spacing of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) between plants. It forms a striking addition to rock gardens and flower beds.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Madonna lily

1

Stately white blooms emit a pleasant fragrance

2

Trumpet-shaped flowers with elegant curved petals

3

Bulb covered by 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil

4

Forms clusters of blooms atop sturdy stems

5

Height reaches up to 3 feet (90 cm)

Madonna lilyMadonna lilyMadonna lilyMadonna lilyMadonna lily

Detailed Traits of Madonna lily

Flower Features

Madonna lily flowers are characterized by their pure white, trumpet-shaped blooms that exude a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. Each flower typically measures about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length with petals that elegantly curve backward. The blooms are arranged in clusters atop tall, sturdy stalks and feature prominent yellow anthers. Blooming from very late Spring to early Summer, madonna lily flowers are a striking and timeless presence in gardens and landscapes.

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Madonna lily and Their Similar Plants

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Tiger lily vs. Madonna lily: What's The Difference?
Tiger lily gets its name from its flower color: black marks on orange background resemble the skin of a tiger. But keep it away from housecats because it’s poisonous to our feline friends. This is an extremely hardy plant, making it popular in chilly New England.
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The Lilium speciosum is an East Asian plant native to southern Japan and China. Commonly called the showy lily it only blooms from summer to fall. This flowering plant is mostly grown in gardens because of its attractive aesthetics.
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Formosa lily vs. Madonna lily: What's The Difference?
Formosa lily (Lilium formosanum) is endemic to Tawain but has become naturalized in certain parts of the Americas, Africa, and Australia. The plant can grow up to 2 m tall and produces large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers that may be up to 30 cm in length. The flowers develop into attractive seed pods that are sometimes used in dried arrangements.
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Wood lily vs. Madonna lily: What's The Difference?
Wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum) is a flowering perennial species that attracts butterflies, birds and bees. Wood lily grows best in well-drained soil and cannot tolerate flooded areas. This plant species is becoming endangered due to people harvesting the flowers without allowing the bulbs to recover.
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Royal Lily vs. Madonna lily: What's The Difference?
Royal Lily (Lilium regale) is a perennial plant known for its fragrant and rather large white trumpet flowers. A prolific bloomer, it can produce up to 25 blossoms per stem. It makes a terrific border plant, offering a mix of color with its golden-throated blossoms that feature pinkish-purple streaks against its pure white exterior. Grows from 1.2 to 1.8 m tall and prefers full sun to partial shade.
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Eye-catching tangerine-colored blooms perch on top of the tall stems of the turk's-Cap Lily (Lilium superbum) in mid-summer. Its bulb and flowers are considered edible. The blooms are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
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Key Facts About Madonna lily

Attributes of Madonna lily
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
1 m to 1.8 m
Spread
30 cm to 60 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
6 cm to 8 cm
Flower Color
White
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Madonna lily

Family
Lily
Icon allow
Genus
Lilies
Icon allow
Species
Madonna lily (Lilium candidum)
Learn More About the Madonna lily

Distribution Map of Madonna lily

Madonna lily is natively found in the Eastern Mediterranean region and has a historical presence in Southwestern Asia. Introduced to various temperate and subtropical regions across the globe, it has naturalized beyond its native range on several continents, including Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Additionally, madonna lily is widely cultivated, enhancing its presence beyond natural and introduced ranges.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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