The carolina lily is native to the southeastern United States and scientifically known as the Lilium michauxii. It blooms in summer and sometimes into fall. The plant is North Carolina’s official state wildflower.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Lilium michauxii, commonly known as the Carolina lily, can be found in the southeastern United States from southern Virginia in the north to the Florida Panhandle in the south to eastern Texas in the west. Blooming is most common in July and August but can occur as late as October. It was named for the French botanist André Michaux, who traveled and did extensive research throughout the Southeast.
The common name “Carolina lily” reflects an older taxonomy that used the name Lilium carolinianum for both L. michauxii and L. catesbaei. Another common name, Turk’s cap lily, has been listed for L. michauxii, although L. superbum (which is very similar in appearance to L. michauxii) shares this common name.
The Carolina lily can grow to 3½ feet tall with flowers 3–4 inches across. It is the only fragrant lily east of the Rocky Mountains. Its petals bend backward and are spotted. Colors range from yellow through orange to red for background petal color and from red through purple to brown for the spots. (Note photo below)
The Carolina lily is the official state wildflower of North Carolina.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Carolina lily prefers filtered sunlight. If it is too strong, it can damage the quality of the flowers and the whole plant. Most lilies require between four and six hours (or more) of sunlight. With more sunlight, the plant will be able to make more food and produce more leaves and flowers.
If your carolina lily is planted in a place that receives great amounts of strong, direct sunlight, around 30% of the sunlight should be blocked. If planted in a garden, it should be planted at the edges of shrubbery or besides fences.
Temperature
The optimum temperature during the growth period is 16 to 25 ℃. If temperatures exceed 28 ℃, the plant will be shorter, there will be fewer flower buds, and blind (non-productive) buds may appear. When rooting, the soil temperature should be maintained at 12 to 15 ℃.
When temperatures fall below 13 ℃ at night, the leaves can turn yellow and fall off. The plant stops growing below 8 ℃. Carolina lily are not resistant to freezing temperatures, and bulbs should be harvested and stored during the fall.
In the high temperatures of summer, water continuously cools the plant and the soil temperature. Lilies should be watered immediately after planting and once every two or three days after that. They require about 2.5 cm of water each week.
Stop watering 10 days before harvesting the bulbs, as carolina lily are not resistant to standing water. High soil humidity can cause seedlings to die. Therefore, pay attention to drainage during rainy seasons.
Watering
Thriving in its native habitat’s moisture-rich environments, carolina lily has adapted to a consistent water supply. This species exhibits a preference for well-balanced moisture levels and is moderately drought-tolerant. To mimic its natural conditions, carolina lily should be watered every week. As an herbaceous perennial commonly grown outdoors, carolina lily’s watering needs are closely tied to its growing season; ensuring adequate hydration during this period is crucial for its vibrant flowering.
Soil
Plant carolina lily in loose, fertile, and slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Continuously growing lilies in the same place can significantly reduce the quality of the flowers, so plant them in well-drained, thick, sandy loam where no Liliaceae plants have been planted before.
Fertilizing
To nurture carolina lily’s vigorous growth and brilliant blooms, apply a balanced nutrition fertilizer bi-monthly during growing season. Benefits include enhanced flower production and plant health. Use sparingly, being cautious to avoid root burn. Adjust feeding with seasonal changes, decreasing in dormancy. Water soil before and after fertilizing to ensure even nutrient distribution and prevent chemical concentration. Tailored for both novices and experts, these practices will keep Carolina lily thriving.
Planting Instructions
Carolina lily is widely available in local flower shops or from many online distributors. Select a plump bulb with robust roots that is free of pests and diseases and has a flat, round top. Soak the bulb in fungicide and dry it before planting.
The optimum planting time is the end of autumn, but carolina lily can also be planted in spring. If planted in fall, the plant will grow roots first. If planted in spring, buds will germinate first. Plant as early as possible after the spring thaw to avoid damage from cold temperatures.
When planting, position the bulb with the top of the bud upwards and roots downwards. Cover with soil two to three times the bulb height thick. Water thoroughly to moisten, but not so much as to accumulate water. While growing, support weak stems with stakes.
Pruning
When buds emerge, the terminal (main) bud should be removed to reduce nutrient consumption, transfer nutrients to the bulb, and help the bulb expand. At the same time, remove the buds growing where the shoot grows out of the main stem (the leaf axil).
Pinch buds off after the dew has dried on a sunny morning. Damaged, dead, or excessively long branches should be removed to look nicer and keep the lily healthy. After blooming, prune withered flowers to facilitate the blooming of other buds.
Propagation
Carolina lily is a perennial that can be effectively propagated by dividing its tubers. To encourage successful growth, ensure each division has at least one growth point. Plant the tubers in well-draining soil, rich in organic matter, and place them at a depth where the top is just covered. Consistent moisture and indirect light aid in establishing the divisions. Careful handling of the delicate tubers is crucial to prevent damage and to foster healthy root development for robust plants.
III. Harvesting and Storage
Harvest freshly cut flowers in the evening or early morning of a sunny day. Freshly harvested flowers should be kept away from direct sunlight and can be stored in cold storage for fresh-keeping.
