Lilium regale
Regal lily is a trumpet species with large white flowers, golden throats, and strong fragrance. It blooms in early to mid summer on tall, rigid stems and thrives in full sun with drainage. Use as a back‑of‑border accent and as a premium cut flower. Avoid soggy sites to prevent bulb rot.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Species; Trumpet group
- Height × spread: 36–60 in (0.9–1.5 m) × 9–12 in (23–30 cm)
- Bloom window: June to July
- Color & flower form: White outward‑facing trumpets, golden throat, purple‑flushed reverse
- Fragrance: 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: zones 4 to 8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: Ernest Henry Wilson, 1903, China to England
- Awards/registration: RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Cut‑flower notes: Stiff stems; typical lily vase life 9 to 14 days with preservative
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Earlier blooming than most Oriental lilies
- Narrow footprint with many trumpets per stem
- Classic trumpet form
Strengths
- Powerful fragrance and elegant display
- Heavy bud counts on mature clumps
- Useful for cutting and evening scent
Care in one minute
- Full sun to light shade
- Fertile, well‑drained soil; slightly acidic to neutral
- Even moisture; avoid waterlogging
- Deadhead and allow stems to ripen; stake if windy
Watch‑outs
- Botrytis in prolonged wet spells
- Tall stems may need staking in wind
Best uses (tags)
cutting, borders, evening scent, back‑of‑border
Provenance note
Native to western Sichuan, China; introduced by E. H. Wilson in 1903.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder – Lilium regale
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox – Lilium regale
- RHS – Lilium regale
- ASPCA – Which Lilies Are Toxic to Pets?
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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