Southern Humboldt Lily

Lilium humboldtii var. ocellatum

perennial herbView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

very low

Soil

Medium, Slow; Tolerates clay but prefers a well drained loam.

Size

6–8ft tall, 1–1ft wide

Bloom

Mar-Aug

Foliage

Deciduous

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Southern Humboldt Lily in fall or early winter in a location with full sun or part shade. Choose a spot with well-draining loam soil; while it tolerates clay, drainage is critical to prevent bulb rot. Space bulbs according to mature height (6-8 feet tall), and ensure the soil drains at a medium to slow rate - amend heavy clay with compost if needed.

After Planting

Water consistently through winter and spring to keep soil moist, then let it dry out completely by early summer once flowering ends. After blooming in June, expect the plant to die back to its underground bulb by mid to late summer - this is normal. Once established, water no more than twice monthly during summer. The biggest mistake is overwatering during dormancy; resist the urge to water a bare patch of soil in July and August.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Western Terrestrial Garter SnakeThamnophis elegans

California Species of Special Concern due to habitat loss and localized population declines

CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported