Lilium canadense

This charming lily is native to the eastern coast of North America from Quebec and Ontario in Canada to north Carolina. Although named for Canada, this lilium is distinct in being the first American lily introduced into European cultivation.

It has been in cultivation for a long time, being listed as early as 1629. So there are many varieties and colour forms available.

So, why don't we see it offered more freely in the market place? The answer here again I feel lies with nature. In nature, this lily is found in damp places, beside streams, in ditches along road sides; and in woodlands growing under the protection of shrubs allowing enough light in and protecting them from grazing animals.

Meeting the needs of this species, one has to remember that this will hold true in cultivation. Perhaps even more so, when away from the natural temperature ranges this is usually found growing in.

Much to my surprise, even though I now live in a climate with summer temperatures double that to which these once thrived in; they continue to prosper with me.

Mine are grown in a raised bed, of equal parts course potting sand, German peat and bark fines. This affords them both the moisture required and the drainage. As they come into active growth, do not let them dry off. After flowering, as the foliage begins to brown, then watering may be eased off.

This lily is very susceptible to virus, so I tend not to plant other liliums close by. Also, every second year, I make a point of sowing seed as an insurance policy against loss.

Established clumps of this can go into decline for no apparent reason, probably it is an unfavorable climate prevailing over part of its season. They do need a long dry summer and a soaking around autumn.