If you plant some madonna lilies in your garden they cannot fail to make an impact. Their tall stalk and imposing white flowers are striking enough to stand on their own, but also combine well with other plants.
The origins of the beautiful madonna lily are ancient and obscure. More than 2000 years ago, it was already being cultivated as a medicinal plant by the ancient Egyptians, Cretans and Greeks.
The Crusaders probably first brought the madonna lily from Asia Minor in the 12th century. But the lily could also have been brought to Europe much earlier, perhaps by the Romans.
Today, this lily is a firm favourite in gardens around the world.
WINTER COVERING
The winter leaves at the bottom of the stalk develop in September. If you live in an area where snow is unlikely, cover the leaves with brushwood to protect against frost. The madonna lily is considered hardy, but it does originate from a considerably warmer climate.
A thick covering of snow will protect the lily well, even better than brushwood or another covering.
Glorious beauty
It is hardly surprising that the madonna lily attracts admiration. The completely white flowers command attention even from a distance. Each stalk, often over a metre tall, carries between five and 20 flowers in a bunch at the top. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and open, with golden stamens springing from their centre.
Planting time
The madonna lily differs slightly from other lilies. It has its own rules which are dictated by its unique pattern of growth.
In autumn, the overwintering leaves at the plant's base have already formed a rosette on the ground. The strong stalk shoots up in spring and the lily flowers during summer. Plant only during the dormant season in August and September.
The planting depth of the madonna lily also differs from that of other lilies. The bulb should be placed in the soil with its tip showing and must never be planted deeper than a centimetre or so from the soil surface. Otherwise there is a risk that the plant will never develop properly.
Lime-rich soil
You can sometimes see beautiful borders with large groups of madonna lilies in the countryside in cottage gardens. You might think that the gardener responsible has extra-green fingers, but it is the correct care which makes the plants grow so abundantly.
Madonna lilies require a moderately heavy, well nourished and lime-rich soil which has good drainage.
They should be planted in a sunny, warm and sheltered location.
The lilies need special protection against winds, or the stalks will break off when they are weighed down with their large, trumpet-shaped flowers.
A classic grouping
A trio of madonna lily, rose and delphinium is almost a classic flower combination. White lilies, red roses and blue delphiniums are as popular today as they were a hundred years ago.
At flowering time, from July into August, they are an enchanting sight. This combination also works when totally white. White roses (such as `Iceberg') and white delphiniums (such as `Sandpiper') combined with the madonna lily make an elegant threesome.
Another winning combination is the madonna lily and Japanese peony. White, pink or red peony varieties
all look good planted alongside the madonna lily.
Mixed perennials provide a range of colours, but avoid planting too many different colourful perennials next to the lilies, or the effect of the larger flower may be lost.
The gorgeous madonna lily should always be in the centre and be allowed to dominate the group.
Does not set seed
In northern latitudes, the madonna lily does not produce seeds. Instead, the plant propagates by sending out offshoots.
In warmer climates, such as in Italy or southern France, the lily does seed itself. In Britain, it can be propagated by removing the offshoots from the parent plant.
It is best to leave the bulbs alone for a long time so that they form a clump and develop properly.
A group of madonna lilies becomes more beautiful over the years, as the plants grow closer and closer together.