Regal lily Lilium regale
Regal lily (Lilium regale) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Liliaceae family, native to Minjiang valley, Sichuan, China. It grows 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) tall and 25–35 cm (10–14 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Regal lily at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 25–35 cm (10–14 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 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 | 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 June for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Minjiang valley, Sichuan, China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇫🇷 France, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Regal 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 Regal lily
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Regal lily
- How far apart should I plant Regal lily?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–35 cm (10–14 in).
- Does Regal lily need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Regal lily need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Regal lily?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Regal lily flower?
- From about June for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Regal 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 Regal lily?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Regal 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
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- White trumpets flushed wine-purple outside, intensely scented at night; collected by E. H. Wilson in 1903 and among the easiest lilies.
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
- Easter lily Lilium longiflorum
- Tiger lily Lilium lancifolium