The traditional flower of Easter is the white trumpet lily (Lilium wallichianum, syn. L. longiflorum). In fact, it’s so popular at this time of year that it’s commonly known as the Easter lily. But what do we know about this popular plant? Here are a few facts that may surprise you.
1. The tradition of the Easter lily is relatively recent.
Indeed, before the Second World War, the flower most associated with Easter was the narcissus, but new production techniques made it possible to produce potted lilies more cheaply. It wasn’t until the 1950s that people started talking about “Easter lilies”.
2. The Easter lily doesn’t normally bloom at Easter.
On the contrary, its normal flowering season is late summer. To make it bloom this early in the season, it needs to be potted in autumn and given a special cold treatment.
3. The earlier Easter arrives, the harder it is to produce lilies for the Easter feast.
This year, growers have had to invest more effort in getting Easter lilies into bloom on time, as it’s difficult to get them into bloom before April. When Easter comes early, as it did this year, there are fewer Easter lilies on the market and the price of lilies is consequently higher.
4. Ontario is an important producer of Easter lilies
In fact, Ontario supplies most of the Easter lilies in eastern North America.
5. When buying, prefer an Easter lily that is not in full bloom, as it may be nearing the end of its blooming period.
A plant with one or two open flowers, but lots of pale green or white buds is ideal, as you’ll not only have flowers right away, but for a long time.
6. Easter lily flowers will last longer if the plant is placed in the sun, but in a cool spot.
Heat, in particular, causes flowers to wilt prematurely. A temperature of 15 to 18°C (59 to 64°F) is ideal.
7. Easter lilies are toxic to cats.
It’s a bit of a topsy-turvy world, since animals generally have no problem eating plants that are toxic to humans, but the Easter lily is an exception to the rule. Don’t let cats nibble the leaves or flowers of this lily.
8. Easter lilies cannot be grown outdoors in Canada.
Most lilies are very hardy and grow effortlessly in Canada, but the Easter lily, originally from southern Japan, is an exception: it’s a zone 7 (zone 8 USDA) lily. Sometimes this lily survives the winter if there’s a good accumulation of snow, but even if it does, it doesn’t live very long.
9. Easter lily pollen is very staining.
It penetrates fabrics easily and causes orange stains that are difficult to remove. To remove it, avoid rubbing with a damp cloth or any other cleaner: liquids bind the pollen. Instead, brush vigorously to knock it off, or hang the item outside in the sun and wind. You can also repeatedly press a sticky paper over the stain to remove the pollen.
10. To make the flowers last longer, cut off the anthers.
In fact, if you cut off the orange anthers that protrude from the flower, carried on a thin filament, the flower can persist for 1-2 days longer. Cutting the stamens, on the other hand, reduces the beauty of the flowers.
And that’s it! Some fascinating facts about the Easter lily. Have a happy Easter in bloom!
Larry Hodgson published thousands of articles and 65 books over the course of his career, in both French and English. His son, Mathieu, has made it his mission to make his father’s writings accessible to the public. This text was originally published in Le Soleil on March 22, 2008.
While we were in school during the late 1980s, most Easter lily bulbs were grown around Smith River, on the North Coast just south of the Oregon border. I suspect that many still grow there.