• Species
  • Perennial
  • Zones 6–9
  • White
  • Single

Madonna lily

Lilium Candidum

Perennial species lily in white, blooming in early summer. Trumpet-shaped pure white flowers 6 to 8 cm long in terminal clusters above basal leaves that persist through winter. USDA zones 6–9.

Cross-referenced · 3 sources

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A Madonna lily lily flower up close on the plant
A Madonna lily lily flower up close on the plant

2 / 2

Madonna lily lily plants in bloom in a garden
Madonna lily lily plants in bloom in a garden

At a glance

Flower form
Species Single
Colors
  • White
Blooms
Early summer
Vase life
Not grown for cutting
Height
3½–5 ft (100–152 cm)
Sunlight
Full sun, Part sun
Hardiness
USDA zones 6–9 Perennial
Planted as
Bulb
Botanical name
Lilium candidum

In the garden

  • Occasionally severely damaged by deer (Rutgers rating)

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Origin

Heirloom species lily sold by Easy To Grow Bulbs, which plants unusually shallow at about 1 inch deep in fall.

Sources

Where to buy

We're adding trusted sources for this variety.

All photos

  • A Madonna lily lily flower up close on the plant
    A Madonna lily lily flower up close on the plant
  • Madonna lily lily plants in bloom in a garden
    Madonna lily lily plants in bloom in a garden

Questions

Is Madonna lily hardy in my zone?

Madonna lily survives winter in the ground in USDA zones 6 to 9. In colder zones treat it as an annual or lift it before the ground freezes.

Does Madonna lily need full sun?

Madonna lily grows in full sun or part sun.

When does Madonna lily bloom?

Madonna lily blooms in early summer.

Is Madonna lily good for cutting?

Our sources don't list Madonna lily as a cut flower or give a vase life for it.