Lilium regale (Regal Lily)

Plant Profile, History & Growing Hints

Lilium regale, commonly known as the Regal Lily, is one of the most admired and reliable species lilies grown in Australian gardens. Native to the Szechuan region of China, this fragrant lily has been in cultivation for well over 100 years and remains a favourite thanks to its beauty, resilience, and ease of care.

The large, trumpet-shaped flowers are pure white with a golden-yellow throat, while the outer petals are often flushed with soft purple-pink markings. Intensely fragrant, especially in the evening, Lilium regale typically flowers around Christmas time in Australia, making it a standout for summer gardens and festive floral displays.

Despite its refined appearance, this is a tough, hardy bulb that performs well in a wide range of garden situations when given good drainage and reasonable sunlight.

Botanical Details

• Botanical name: Lilium regale
• Common names: Regal Lily, Royal Lily
• Family: Liliaceae
• Genus: Lilium
• Species: regale
• Origin: Szechuan (Sichuan), China
• Plant type: Deciduous flowering bulb

Note: Lilium regale is often confused with Lilium longiflorum (Easter Lily), but they are quite distinct — L. regale is Chinese in origin, while L. longiflorum comes from Japan.

How To grow Lilium regale

Best grown in a humus rich well drained soil, we dig over well before planting liliums, we like to add some well rotted compost and a little aged animal manure. It is best to prepare soil in advance to that it has time to ‘settle’ before planting.

In our garden Lilium regale gets good morning sun and dappled afternoon shade and this seems ideal. Plants will reach a height of around 1m, and as these pretty liliums can have 8 flowers or more a little support can help.

Planting Lilium regale Bulbs

When to plant:

• Late autumn through winter (while bulbs are dormant)

How to plant:

• Choose a sunny, well-drained position
• Plant bulbs 15–20cm deep (6–8 inches)
• Space bulbs about 20–30cm apart
• Water well after planting

As these are tall lilies, they are best planted towards the rear of garden borders or amongst shrubs that can provide light support.

Height, Spread & Flowering

• Height: 1–1.5 metres
• Spread: 30–40cm
• Flowering time: Early to mid-summer (December in Australia)
• Foliage: Fresh green foliage in spring and summer, dying back naturally in late summer

Each mature stem can carry 8 or more large, fragrant flowers, making this lily excellent value for space in the garden.

Sun, Soil & Position

• Sun: Full sun to part shade
  • Morning sun with dappled afternoon shade is ideal, particularly in warmer regions.
• Soil: Humus-rich, well-drained soil is essential
• Water: Moderate — drought tolerant once established, but appreciates extra moisture during hot summers

Soil Preparation & Feeding

We recommend preparing the soil well before planting:

• Dig the area deeply and thoroughly
• Incorporate well-rotted compost and a small amount of aged animal manure
• Allow soil to settle before planting bulbs

In spring, when new shoots emerge, apply a liquid seaweed fertiliser to encourage strong growth. Once flowering finishes and foliage dies back, top dress with a light mulch to protect and enrich the soil.

Growing Lilium regale in Containers

Lilium regale grows very well in pots when a few simple rules are followed:

• Use a deep container (minimum 20–30cm)
• Ensure excellent drainage
• Use a free-draining, high-quality mix (such as John Innes No. 3 with added grit)
• Plant bulbs 10–15cm deep, spacing 3–5 bulbs per pot
• Position the pot in a cool spot initially, allowing stems to grow up into the sun

Care & Ongoing Maintenance

• These lilies are surprisingly drought tolerant once established
• Extra water may be needed during prolonged hot weather
• Natural supports such as low-growing azaleas work beautifully
• Alternatively, plant hoops or stakes can be used — or simply let them grow naturally

⚠️ Important:
Do not cut foliage back until it has completely died down. The leaves feed the bulb for next year’s flowers.

Using Lilium regale as Cut Flowers

Regal Lilies make exceptional cut flowers due to their size and fragrance.

• Always leave at least one-third of the foliage on the plant
• This allows the bulb to recharge and ensures good flowering next season

Propagation

Propagation is easiest by division of established clumps:

• Best done in late winter to early spring
• Lift and divide when new growth is just beginning

While Lilium regale can be grown from seed or by bulb scaling, these methods are slower and best left to experienced growers.

Common Problems & Notes

• Pests: Generally trouble-free; watch for aphids on young growth
• Disease: Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent bulb rot
• Toxicity: Toxic to cats if ingested
• Invasiveness: Not invasive

Uses in the Garden

• Cottage and informal gardens
• Mixed perennial borders
• Scented gardens
• Containers and patios
• Cut flower gardens

Grower Notes & Regional Tips

• In coastal climates: Excellent performance with protection from strong winds
• In hot inland areas: Afternoon shade improves flower longevity
• Cold regions: Very frost hardy once dormant

Related Plants You May Like