White clintonia (Clintonia umbellulata)

Also known as: Bead lily

The plant in question is White clintonia (Clintonia umbellulata), also known as speckled wood lily or Clinton's lily. Found in the forests of the Appalachian Mountains, it features broad leaves that remain near the ground and produces flower stalks reaching up to 50 cm in height during late spring. While the plant’s small black berries are not toxic, they are not regarded as edible.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of White clintonia

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

27 cm to 60 cm

Spread

10 cm to 20 cm

Leaf Color

Glossy green

Flower Size

1.3 cm

Flower Color

White Pink Purple Lavender

Images of White clintonia

Quickly Identify White clintonia

Basal rosette of broad, glossy leaves.

Distinctive umbel of white flowers with green and purple speckles.

Dark blue to black berries, quarter-inch in size.

Elliptical leaves with pronounced hairs along the margins and midrib.

Matte black spherical berries with embedded seeds.

Scientific Classification of White clintonia

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Liliales

Family

Lily

Genus

Bluebead Lily

Species

White clintonia

Planting and Growing of White clintonia

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full shade

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-70℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water White clintonia?

Clintonia umbellulata prefers evenly moist soil, so aim for about 500 milliliters per watering session to keep the roots adequately hydrated. Ensure the water reaches the deeper roots without water logging the plant.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered White clintonia? ›

What should I do if my White clintonia is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered White clintonia? ›

How to save an overwatered White clintonia? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for White clintonia?

Sunlight Requirements: Full shade, Partial sun

Duration of light: 1-4 hours

Clintonia umbellulata ideally needs full shade to partial sun. This setup aids in maintaining healthy foliage and vibrant blossoms as it mirrors its natural woodland conditions.

What is the best lighting condition for Clintonia umbellulata? ›

How can I achieve ideal lighting for Clintonia umbellulata indoors? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting provide for Clintonia umbellulata? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for White clintonia?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 70℉

For Clintonia umbellulata to thrive, it requires a surrounding environment with temperatures ranging between 60°F and 70°F. This range provides the optimal conditions for growth, where the plant can photosynthesize efficiently without any thermal stress. Consistently maintaining temperatures in this range assures that metabolic processes proceed smoothly.

What Soil is Best for White clintonia?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Clintonia umbellulata thrives in well-drained soil as it prevents root rot and ensures the plant receives adequate oxygen. Proper drainage is vital to maintain its lush foliage. The plant benefits greatly from soil rich in organic matter, which retains moisture and provides essential nutrients. This supports robust growth and vibrant flowering. Maintaining moderate moisture levels is crucial as it ensures the plant neither dries out nor sits in water. This balance is key for healthy plant development.

How to Fertilize White clintonia?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Clintonia umbellulata benefits from a balanced fertilizer. For liquid fertilizers, use a diluted solution at half the recommended strength. Apply roughly one tablespoon of solid slow-release fertilizer for each plant per session.

How to Prune White clintonia?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by assessing the plant for any dead, damaged, or diseased stems. This includes looking for any discoloration, rot, or breakage. Remove these first as they can be detrimental to the plant's health. To maintain the natural form of Clintonia umbellulata, target the longest and most unruly stems, trimming them back to the consistent height and shape of the plant. This helps to keep the plant neat and visually pleasing. While it may be tempting to cut back a significant portion of the plant, ensure that you leave more than half the plant intact. Over-pruning can hinder growth and lead to plant shock, impeding its recovery. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate White clintonia plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Start by gathering seeds from mature Clintonia umbellulata plants. Clean and dry them thoroughly before planting to prevent fungal growth. Use a seed tray filled with a well-draining soil mix for sowing.

Sow the seeds on the soil surface and gently press them down. Lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. Water gently to avoid displacing seeds and place the tray in a warm, indirect light location.

In early spring, use a garden spade to dig around the base of mature Clintonia umbellulata plants. Gently lift the plant with its root ball, and use the spade to divide it into smaller sections, each with its own roots.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot White clintonia plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Clintonia umbellulata should be repotted when you notice the roots starting to circle the base of the container, or when the soil becomes compacted and less absorbent. Spring and autumn provide the ideal conditions for repotting, as moderate temperatures reduce stress on the plant.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one to give the roots ample space to grow. Ensure it has good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A slightly wider pot also helps in stabilizing the plant as it grows taller.

Opt for a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter, like compost or leaf mold. This type of soil retains moisture without becoming waterlogged, promoting healthy root growth and providing essential nutrients to Clintonia umbellulata.