Lilium Longiflorum – Snow Queen – 5 bulbs p-pack

Lilium Longiflorum ‘Snow Queen’, commonly known as the Easter Lily, is a trumpet-shaped, pure white lily with a strong, sweet fragrance. It is a spring to early summer bloomer, ideal for gardens, pots, and cut flowers.

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1. Best Growing Conditions

✅ Climate:

• Thrives in cool to temperate regions with mild summers.

• Well-suited for Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

• Can tolerate light frost, but needs winter dormancy for best flowering.

✅ Sunlight:

• Prefers full sun to partial shade (6+ hours of sunlight per day).

• Afternoon shade is helpful in very hot areas.

✅ Soil Requirements:

• Well-draining, rich, loamy soil with plenty of organic matter.

• pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

• Improve clay soils by adding compost and sand for better drainage.

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2. Planting Lilium Longiflorum Bulbs

✅ Best Planting Time:

• Autumn (April–May) or early spring (August–September) for spring to early summer flowering (October–December).

✅ Depth & Spacing:

• Plant 15–20 cm deep and 20–30 cm apart.

• Deep planting helps stabilize tall stems and keeps roots cool.

✅ Container Growing:

• Use deep pots (30–40 cm) with well-draining potting mix.

• Ensure good drainage holes to prevent bulb rot.

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3. Watering & Care

✅ Watering:

• Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy.

• Reduce watering after flowering as plants enter dormancy.

✅ Fertilizing:

• At planting: Apply a slow-release bulb fertilizer (10-10-10 or 5-10-10).

• During growth: Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

• After flowering: Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer to strengthen bulbs for next season.

✅ Mulching:

• Apply a 5 cm layer of mulch (compost, bark, or straw) to retain moisture and keep roots cool.

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4. Flowering & Dormancy

✅ Bloom Time:

• Blooms in spring to early summer (October–December).

• Produces large, trumpet-shaped, fragrant white flowers.

✅ After Flowering Care:

• Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed production.

• Allow foliage to die back naturally—do not cut it too soon.

• Reduce watering when plants enter winter dormancy.

✅ Lifting & Storing Bulbs (Optional):

• In very wet winter regions, lift bulbs after dormancy and store in a cool, dry place until replanting in autumn.

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5. Staking & Support

✅ Support Needed:

• Tall plants (up to 1.2m) may need staking to prevent bending.

• Use bamboo stakes or plant supports early in the season.

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6. Pests & Diseases

✅ Common Pests:

• Aphids & thrips – Can be controlled with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

• Lily beetles – Remove by hand or use organic insecticides.

✅ Disease Issues:

• Botrytis (Grey Mold) – Avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation.

• Bulb rot – Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

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7. Propagation

✅ By Bulbs (Easiest Method):

• Over time, bulbs produce offsets (small bulbs) that can be divided and replanted in autumn.

✅ By Scales (Advanced Method):

• Large bulbs can be scaled (breaking off outer layers) and grown in moist compost.

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8. Companion Planting

• Pairs well with Freesias, Gladiolus, Alliums, and Hostas.

• Ideal for cut flower gardens, borders, and containers.

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Conclusion

Lilium Longiflorum ‘Snow Queen’ is a classic, elegant lily that thrives in South African gardens with autumn or early spring planting. With full sun, rich soil, and regular feeding, you’ll enjoy a stunning display of fragrant white blooms every spring! 🌸🌿