Easter Lilies

Easter lilies Erabu (Lilium candidum), which are native to southern Japan and the islands of Okinawa and Amani and are also known as the Madonna lily because of its symbol of purity. They are also called the ‘white-robed apostles of hope’ and were found growing in the Garden of Gethesmane after Christ’s agony. Legend says that wherever Christ’s sweat fell to the ground during his last hours of life, a lily sprang forth. Churches continue the tradition of displaying lilies to commemorate the resurrection of Christ.

It is also said the reason the lily’s head is bowed is because during Christ’s time, all plants and animals bowed their heads in respect when in the company of Christ. The lily did not bow its head, but after the Crucifixion, the lily became ashamed and continues to bow its head now as a sign of respect.

The Madonna lily was used as the Easter lily until the 20th century. This is when the Bermuda lily (Lilium longiflorum eximium, syn. L. Harrisii) was substituted because the Madonna lily would not always bloom in time for Easter. The lily commercial bulb production started in Bermuda but was devastated by a virus in 1898. Commercial bulb production began in the United States in the late 1800’s.

The Madonna lily is hardy but prone to disease. It thrives in all soil types except badly drained soils. It does its best in rich, moist loam. It does not like its roots disturbed, so plant it and leave it there until time to divide. If it fails to grow, add lime to the soil. When the lily shows sign of deterioration, it is time to divide and only then. It really does not like to be disturbed and this can cause the bulb to never bloom again. Never move more than once in a three-year period.

Replant the bulb before August but not more than 4 inches deep and not less than 6 inches apart in full sun to part shade. If it is really hot, give it only morning sun. They do not do well as house plants, so after your Easter lily has stopped blooming, replant in your garden. With luck it will bloom around July but most likely the spring of the following year. If you have cold winters, plant in a protected area with at least 4 inches of mulch.

In the fall, top dress with manure, bonemeal and wood ash.

Lilies are poisonous to cats and causes kidney failure. Just eating one leaf can be fatal. Call your veterinarian immediately if this happens.