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Description
Lilium Pensylvanicum, commonly known as the Roanoke lily, is a bulbous perennial plant belonging to the lily family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in the wild in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. The plant has a single stem that can grow up to 60 cm tall and produces clusters of bright orange-red flowers that are trumpet-shaped and have dark spots on their petals. The blooms appear in late spring or early summer and last for about a month.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Lilium |
| Species | Lilium Pensylvanicum |
Appearance
Lilium Pensylvanicum has a single stem that can grow up to 60 cm tall and produces clusters of bright orange-red flowers that are trumpet-shaped and have dark spots on their petals. The blooms appear in late spring or early summer and last for about a month. The plant has lance-shaped leaves that are up to 8 cm long and arranged in whorls around the stem. The leaves are green and have a slightly wavy edge. The bulb of the plant is ovoid and up to 4 cm long and wide.
Care Guide
Lilium Pensylvanicum is an easy plant to care for, but it does have a few specific requirements.
Water
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, but the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can cause the bulbs to rot.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer. After the blooms have faded, the plant can be fertilized again with a high-phosphorus fertilizer to help the bulbs develop.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sun to part shade. In hot climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.
Hardiness Zones
Lilium Pensylvanicum is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lilium Pensylvanicum is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by bulb rot if the soil is too wet. Aphids and spider mites can also be a problem, but they can be easily controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Lilium Pensylvanicum is native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in the wild in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. It grows in open, sunny areas such as meadows, prairies, and savannas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lilium Pensylvanicum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lilium Pensylvanicum can be grown in containers. Use a pot that is at least 30 cm in diameter and make sure it has drainage holes.
Q: How often should Lilium Pensylvanicum be fertilized?
A: Lilium Pensylvanicum should be fertilized in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer and again after the blooms have faded with a high-phosphorus fertilizer.
Q: Can Lilium Pensylvanicum be divided?
A: Yes, Lilium Pensylvanicum can be divided in the fall after the foliage has died back. Dig up the bulbs, separate them, and replant them immediately.
Q: How long do the blooms of Lilium Pensylvanicum last?
A: The blooms of Lilium Pensylvanicum last for about a month.
Related Plants
- Lilium canadense
- Lilium catesbaei
- Lilium superbum
- Lilium michiganense
References
- “Lilium pensylvanicum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278635&isprofile=0.
- “Lilium pensylvanicum.” North Carolina State University. Accessed October 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lilium-pensylvanicum/.
- “Lilium pensylvanicum.” The Spruce. Accessed October 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/roanoke-lily-lilium-pensylvanicum-profile-5078341.
