Holy Thistles to Madonna Lily: More Plants of the Bible Lands

The existence of the Madonna lily, Lilium candidum, in the Holy Lands has been a controversial issue for centuries. Early Christian artists pictured Mary with a Madonna lily in her hand and this lily has been a tradition at Easter for centuries. The lily has been a symbol of innocence, virginity and purity, and the resurrection. It is found planted in many church graveyards and in many churches as decorations at Easter.

Botanists who study the plants mentioned in scripture believe this is one of the lilies found in Solomon's famous garden (Song of Solomon 6:2) and was the lily mentioned in Hosea 14:5.

Early in this century, botanists discovered colonies of this plant growing in northern Palestine. They knew it was a wild plant because it was in a location untouched by civilization. Botanists argued that this couldn't be a wild plant because it was believed that this lily did not produce seeds. However, in 1916, a colony of seed producing Madonna lilies was found thus ending the debate. Now botanists believe that the environmental changes in the Holy Lands lead to a decrease in the numbers of the plants because it couldn't adapt. It was very common in the cooler mountain areas near rivers or streams.

Plant the bulbs in a slightly shaded, moist but well drained area of your garden. It will thrive for years. Some people have success simply planting out plants received at Easter. If you do this, be sure you don't cut off the foliage. You must allow it to ripen through the summer to continue nourishing the bulb so it will bloom again the next year.

Until next week, good gardening to you!

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