Purple lily is a beautiful flower native to temperate regions of North America and Eurasia. The plant has a distinctively pointed petal, a thin stem, bulbous roots and bright purple blooms.
Purple lilies are known for their pleasant scent and are very popular in gardens and yards throughout the world. They usually bloom in late spring or early summer but can occasionally bloom throughout the year depending on the climate and other conditions.
Different Types of Purple Lily
Asiatic Hybrid Lily
Asiatic Hybrid Lily type of purple lily is known for having large blooms with petals up to 8 inches in size. It is one of the most common types of purple lilies available and is perfect for adding color to any garden or flower arrangement.
Oriental Lily
Oriental Lily type of purple lily has a distinctive fragrance and typically blooms from May to August. Its white petals are often marked with pink spots, making it a popular choice for gardens or bouquets alike.
Turkscap Lily
Turkscap Lily type of purple lily features multiple small blooms on each stem, making it a great option for busy gardens that need to be filled quickly.
Regale Lily
The Regale lily is unique in that its dark purple buds eventually open up to reveal fragrant white petals which change into pink as they bloom over time.
Stargazer Lily
The Stargazer lily features deep pink-colored flowers with white and yellow spots, often used for cutting gardens or flower arrangements due to the long-lasting beauty that they offer when cut and placed in vases or baskets.
Casablanca Lily
These purple lilies grow between 6 to 7 feet tall, making them ideal for garden borders or backdrops in flowerbeds as they bring a touch of romance with their four-petal fragrant blossoms.
Tiger Lily
Petal tips that curl backwards give this type of purple lily its unique look compared to other varieties of the same color – making it an eye-catching addition for any home garden or flower arrangement project!
Muscadet Lily
A combination of pure white petals with pale pink edges make this type of lily one that can easily add contrast and beauty to any landscape design or bouquet arrangement..
Stargazer Oriental Lily
Deep red velvet petals curve upwards towards the sky like stars in the night sky along with a sweet scent – perfect for adding extra fragrance and flair to your outdoor space!
The History of Purple Lily
Purple lilies have been around since ancient times and have a long history of symbolic meaning. Its original name, Iris Germanica, comes from the Greek word “Iris” which means rainbow.
For centuries, these regal blooms have represented royalty, noble birth and luxury due to the rarity and delicate beauty of the petals. The color purple is often associated with wealth and refinement, making it a desirable floral choice for occasions such as weddings or funerals.
More recently, purple lilies are also seen as a symbol of love and devotion. They are often gifted to show admiration or appreciation for someone special in your life or to express joyous occasions like births or anniversaries.
How to Grow Purple Lily
- Plant the seeds in a sunny spot, with well-drained soil.
- Keep the soil moist but not wet as the seeds need plenty of oxygen to germinate properly.
- Fertilize regularly with an all-purpose fertilizer made for flowers and apply mulch around the plants to retain moisture in the soil.
- Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
- Prune back dead or overgrown stems in early spring before new growth begins, if desired.
- Divide crowded clumps in late summer or early fall after blooming has finished to ensure healthy and vigorous growth for next season’s blooms.
- Add compost or manure to give extra nutrients to the flower bed if needed.
- Pinch off spent flowers and dead leaves throughout the season to encourage more blooms and promote tidiness of the flower bed.
Common Pests and Diseases
Purple lilies are a colourful, popular flower for gardens, but unfortunately they’re prone to many pests and diseases. Common insects that affect purple lilies include aphids, slugs, snails, spider mites, leaf miners, whiteflies and thrips.
All of these can cause significant damage to the foliage if left unchecked. Fungal problems such as rust and powdery mildew can also occur. These will usually appear as discoloured patches on the foliage or stems.
How to Recover Purple Lily
If you find any signs of pests or disease it is important to act quickly in order to protect the plants before damage becomes too severe.
- Insecticides and fungicides are effective in treating these issues, although it is important to read the instructions carefully on how they should be used safely and effectively.
- Regularly removing dead leaves from around the plant will help reduce the spread of infection throughout the garden.
- Proper maintenance is key for keeping your purple lilies healthy. Check them regularly for signs of distress and make sure their environment is suitable for them to thrive – this includes ensuring that they receive adequate water and nutrition throughout their growing season.
With regular care you can enjoy beautiful blooms from your purple lilies each summer!
Final Thoughts
Purple lilies are a beautiful addition to any garden, and with proper care and maintenance you can keep them healthy for years to come. Regularly monitoring the plants for signs of pests or diseases is key, as these problems can quickly become severe if left unchecked. Thankfully, simple treatments such as insecticides and fungicides can help protect your purple lilies from harm.
More Information
The scientific name for a purple lily is Lilium regale.
Yes, a purple lily has many medicinal properties including being anti-bacterial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory.
Yes, slugs, snails and aphids can be harmful to purple lilies if they are not managed properly.
No, with proper watering and fertilization you can easily care for a purple lily in your home or garden.
If the soil surrounding your purple lily feels dry to the touch then it is likely time to water it again.