Pine lily (Lilium catesbaei)

Also known as: Catesby's lily, Pine lily

The Pine Lily (*Lilium catesbaei*) is a lily species native to the coastal regions of the southeastern United States. This plant thrives in hot, wet environments and acidic soil conditions. Notably, each stalk of the Pine Lily bears a single, spotted flower, which has earned it additional names such as Leopard Lily and Southern Red Lily.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Pine lily

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

61 cm to 91 cm

Spread

30 cm to 60 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

8 cm to 15 cm

Flower Color

Red Orange Yellow

Images of Pine lily

Quickly Identify Pine lily

Large orange blooms atop 2-3 ft (60-91 cm) stems in late summer.

Linear leaves emerging from bulb base, parallel venation pattern.

Distinctive elliptical seed capsule with papery texture for wind dispersal.

Slender, unbranched stem up to 3 ft (91 cm) with smooth texture.

Orange flowers with reflexed petals, yellow-orange gradient, and purple specks.

Scientific Classification of Pine lily

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Lilies, supplejacks and allies

Family

Lily

Genus

Lilies

Species

Pine lily

Planting and Growing of Pine lily

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-86℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5-6.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Pine lily?

Lilium catesbaei, a delicate wildflower known as the Pine Lily, thrives when watered consistently but sparingly. It's best to provide about 250 ml of water each session, ensuring the top inch of soil is moist but not waterlogged. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to mimic its natural habitat.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Pine lily? ›

What should I do if my Pine lily is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Pine lily? ›

How to save an overwatered Pine lily? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Pine lily?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4-8 hours daily

Lilium catesbaei appreciates partial to full sun exposure, ideally around 4 to 8 hours a day. Adequate sunlight enables strong flowering and overall plant health, reducing susceptibility to pests and diseases.

What kind of light does Lilium catesbaei prefer? ›

How to achieve ideal lighting conditions for Lilium catesbaei? ›

What benefits does Lilium catesbaei gain from ideal lighting? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Pine lily?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 86℉

The ideal temperature range for Lilium catesbaei, commonly known as the Catesbaei Lily, is between 68°F and 86°F. These temperatures provide optimal conditions for photosynthesis, root development, and flowering. Maintaining your plant in this range ensures healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

What Soil is Best for Pine lily?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Acidic soil, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 5 ~ 6.5

Lilium catesbaei thrives in well-drained sandy soils that prevent root rot. Ensuring excellent drainage mimics its natural habitat, supporting healthy root systems. This species prefers slightly acidic soil, as it enables optimal nutrient uptake. Maintaining a pH around 6.0 ensures that the plant can utilize nutrients effectively. Incorporating organic matter improves soil structure and moisture retention. Organic material adds vital nutrients, promoting vigorous growth and enhancing flower production.

How to Fertilize Pine lily?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Lilium catesbaei thrives on minimal fertilization. An optimal amount involves using a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength to prevent over-fertilization. For solid fertilizers, apply a thin layer around the plant, ensuring it does not touch the stems directly. Over-fertilization can be more harmful than under-fertilization.

How to Prune Pine lily?

Pruning Time: Spring

Identify and remove any dead or damaged stems. Look for brown or withered parts of the plant, cutting back to healthy foliage or a node to promote regrowth. After the flowering season, cut back faded blooms to maintain aesthetic appeal and prevent seed formation. This encourages the plant to conserve energy for the next bloom cycle. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Pine lily plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late spring, Early summer

Start by collecting ripe seeds from the pods. Gently clean them to remove any debris, and let them dry before planting. This step is crucial to ensure successful germination.

Fill the seed tray with a well-draining seed starting mix. Plant the seeds approximately 0.5 inches deep, and gently water them. Ensure there is adequate light and maintain a moist environment for germination.

Select healthy, non-flowering shoots. Cut below a node, around 4-6 inches in length. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and insert it into a pot filled with a soilless potting mix.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Pine lily plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot your Lilium catesbaei when you notice overcrowding in the pot, or when their roots start emerging from the drainage holes. These signals suggest that the plant has outgrown its current space. Typically, early spring, just before the growing season begins, is an ideal time to change their pot.

Select a pot that is just one size larger than the current one, with ample drainage holes. The right pot size ensures adequate space for root growth and helps prevent waterlogging, which is crucial for maintaining the plant's health. Additionally, a pot made of breathable material like terracotta can aid in moisture regulation.

Choose a well-draining acidic soil blend, rich in organic matter, which replicates its natural environment. This type of soil provides essential nutrients and encourages proper drainage, preventing root rot and allowing for healthy growth and blooming, catering to the plant's unique requirements.

Toxicity

Calcium oxalate ingestion

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.