Lily of the valley
Lily is an ornamental plant that is very popular in Swedish homes and gardens. Lilies belong to the genus Lilium which is very species-rich. A lily is characterized by its large and often very fragrant flowers. They are grown all over the world but originate from Asia and Europe. The lily is one of our most famous and cultivated ornamental plants.
How to care for a lily
A lily is a perennial herb. It does not occur naturally in Sweden but some varieties have gone wild. You can have a lily as a potted plant inside or plant them in your garden. Just be sure to choose a variety that suits where you want it. Here are some general tips that apply to many different lilies:
- A lily thrives in well-drained soil.
- Lilies need a fair amount of sun and water.
- A lily needs nutrition but it is important that it is well watered.
In a garden, it is suitable to plant lilies on slopes together with low shrubs. This gives the flowers maximum sunlight and protects the roots. A lily can overwinter in Sweden if you choose a hardy variety. If it gets very cold, you may need to cover them with straw, for example. Frost-sensitive varieties can be overwintered in a cool place indoors.
Choose a lily with a look you like
There is a very large number of lilies in the trade. Some of the most common subgroups are:
- Asiatic lilies - Popular because of their large and often colorful flowers. They are generally easy to care for.
- Oriental lilies - Have large flowers that give off a distinctive fragrance.
- Trumpet lilies - The flowers have a characteristic trumpet shape.
The African blue lily is a prized oddity
African lilies have become very popular in recent years. One African lily that has attracted particular attention is the African blue lily. It is not actually a lily plant, but a member of the amaryllis genus. The care of the African blue lily is therefore slightly different from that of a common lily. Unlike most common lilies, the African lily is not winter hardy in Sweden.
A flower with many meanings
The lily is a flower with a rich cultural history that goes way back in time. In particular, lilies have been used in religious contexts where they have had a symbolic meaning. In Christianity, the lily has been a symbol of the Virgin Mary and her virginity. In ancient Greece, the lily was also used as a symbol of virginity and purity. A lily can also symbolise love. It is therefore often used at weddings. Keep in mind that the meaning can vary depending on the color of the lily. White lilies, in particular, symbolise innocence and love. The flowers have also been used in traditional medicine for many centuries, for example to treat insomnia, digestive problems and breathing problems. Some varieties, daylily is one example, can be eaten. However, most lilies contain substances that can be harmful if consumed.
Diseases and pests that affect lilies
Lilies are susceptible to various pests and diseases. Pay extra attention to lily beetles, slugs and snails. Some of the most common diseases a lily can suffer from are powdery mildew and fungal infections. Depending on the problem a lily is suffering from, there are effective remedies if you spot it early.
Author: Johanna Damm Fact checked by Erik HoekstraLast updated 2022-01-16
