Easter lily Lilium longiflorum
Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Liliaceae family, native to Ryukyu Islands (Japan) and Taiwan. It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Easter lily at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) and Taiwan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Easter lily toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts, pollen, vase water
True lilies are deadly to cats: even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure. Mildly toxic to dogs and people.
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 Easter lily
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Easter lily
- How far apart should I plant Easter lily?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Easter lily need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Easter lily need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Easter lily?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Easter lily flower?
- From about June for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Easter lily poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. True lilies are deadly to cats: even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure. Mildly toxic to dogs and people.
- What grows well with Easter lily?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Easter lily. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Long pure-white trumpets; forced to flower for Easter as a pot plant, and one of the most common causes of cat poisoning at that time of year.
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
- Tiger lily Lilium lancifolium