David’s lily (Lanzhou lily) Lilium davidii
David’s lily (Lanzhou lily) (Lilium davidii) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Liliaceae family, native to Western and central China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, Shaanxi, Shanxi). It grows 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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David’s lily (Lanzhou lily) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: bulb scales (cooked; the sweet Lanzhou lily) |
| Native to | Western and central China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, Shaanxi, Shanxi) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is David’s lily (Lanzhou lily) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
- Parts: all parts, pollen, vase water
Deadly to cats: any part of a true lily, even pollen licked from fur or the vase water, can cause acute kidney failure. Not poisonous to people or dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with David’s lily (Lanzhou lily)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about David’s lily (Lanzhou lily)
- How far apart should I plant David’s lily (Lanzhou lily)?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does David’s lily (Lanzhou lily) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does David’s lily (Lanzhou lily) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is David’s lily (Lanzhou lily)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does David’s lily (Lanzhou lily) flower?
- From about July for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is David’s lily (Lanzhou lily) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Deadly to cats: any part of a true lily, even pollen licked from fur or the vase water, can cause acute kidney failure. Not poisonous to people or dogs.
- What grows well with David’s lily (Lanzhou lily)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for David’s lily (Lanzhou lily). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Nodding vermilion Turk’s-cap flowers spotted with black on stems clothed in narrow leaves, in midsummer. Named after Armand David. Its unspotted form (var. unicolor) is the Lanzhou lily, farmed in Gansu for its large, sweet edible bulbs, cooked in soups and stir-fries.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lily Lilium
- Tulip Tulipa gesneriana
- Crown imperial Fritillaria imperialis
- Toad lily Tricyrtis hirta
- Snake’s head fritillary Fritillaria meleagris
- Madonna lily Lilium candidum
- Regal lily Lilium regale
- Easter lily Lilium longiflorum