Madonna lily, Annunciation lily
Lilium candidum
Family: Liliaceae
What it is like
A bulb plant. It grows 90-180 cm high and 20-25 cm wide. The leaves form a rosette at the base. The flowers are trumpet shaped. About 15 occur on stiff stems. They are white and 8-10 cm long. The anthers are yellow. The flowers have a scent.
There are about 100 Lilium species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It does best in full sun and well-drained soil. The soil should be slightly alkaline. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Andorra, Australia, Balkans, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central America, Europe, France, Greece, Guatemala, India, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mediterranean, Middle East, Myanmar, New Zealand, Palestine, SE Asia, South America, Spain, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, Venezuela
How it is used for food
The flowers are used to make a drink.
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Root, bulb, flowers
How it is grown
The bulbs are planted with the tips just below the soil surface.
Its other names
Local names
Ak zambak, Lliri blanc