Origin
Lilium humboldtii Roezl & Leichtl. ex Duchartre ssp. ocellatum (Kellogg) Thorne is a plant that is native to California, specifically in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range mountain ranges. It can also be found in neighboring areas of Nevada and Oregon.
Common Names
This plant has several common names including Humboldt's lily, leopard lily, or lynx lily. Its subspecies, ocellatum, is commonly referred to as the leopard lily with its distinctive spots.
Uses
Lilium humboldtii ssp. ocellatum is mainly used for ornamental purposes and is a popular plant in gardens. As it is a native plant, it is also helpful in restoring and preserving natural landscapes in California. Despite being known for its beautiful flowers, it contains toxic alkaloids and should not be ingested.
General Appearance
This plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and features large, showy flowers that can be up to 6 inches in diameter. Its leaves are lance-shaped and can grow up to 8 inches long. The flowers of this subspecies are characterized by their reddish-orange color with dark spots along their petals. Unlike other lily species, the flowers of Lilium humboldtii ssp. ocellatum bloom in late summer.
Light Requirements
Lilium humboldtii ssp. ocellatum requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Although it can tolerate some shade, it is best to place it in areas that receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This species is known for its adaptability to a wide range of temperatures. However, it thrives in cooler conditions with an optimal temperature range between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
Soil Requirements
Lilium humboldtii ssp. ocellatum prefers well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic soil. It is essential to maintain a pH range between 5.0 and 6.5 for healthy growth. The addition of organic matter, such as compost or peat, can improve soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Lilium humboldtii Roezl & Leichtl. ex Duchartre ssp. ocellatum (Kellogg) Thorne, commonly known as the Humboldt lily, is a herbaceous perennial plant that prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure. The ideal planting time for Humboldt lilies is in the early autumn. They can be propagated through seeds or by dividing the bulbs during the dormant period.
Watering Needs
The Humboldt lily requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather. However, overwatering can lead to fungal infections and rot. Water the plants deeply and allow the soil to dry out slightly before the next watering. It is best to water the plants in the morning to prevent moisture accumulation on the foliage, which can promote disease spread.
Fertilization
Humboldt lilies are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy foliage and robust bloom production. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every four to six weeks throughout the growing season. Avoid fertilizing the plants when they are dormant as it can lead to nutrient imbalances.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Humboldt lilies as they do not produce branches or suckers. However, removing spent flowers can promote more bloom production and prevent the plant from redirecting energy towards seed production. Cut the stem down to the next set of leaves after the flowers have faded. In the fall, after the foliage has died back, trim the stems back to the soil line and remove any yellow or damaged foliage.
Propagation of Lilium humboldtii Roezl & Leichtl. ex Duchartre ssp. ocellatum (Kellogg) Thorne
Lilium humboldtii ssp. ocellatum can be propagated through various methods:
Division
Division is the most common method to propagate L. humboldtii ssp. ocellatum. It involves separating the bulbs into smaller sections and replanting them.
The best time to divide the bulbs is in the fall after the leaves have turned yellow and died back. Care must be taken to ensure that each division has at least one healthy growing point.
Seeds
Lilium humboldtii ssp. ocellatum can also be propagated from seeds, although it is a more challenging and time-consuming method.
The seeds should be sown thinly in pots or trays filled with a well-draining soil mix in early autumn. The pots should be kept in a cool, shaded area and watered regularly. The seeds will usually germinate in spring after a period of cold stratification.
Bulblets
Bulblets can also be used to propagate Lilium humboldtii ssp. ocellatum. Bulblets are small bulbs that develop at the base of the parent bulb.
The bulblets can be separated from the parent bulb and replanted in a suitable location. It is important to ensure that each bulblet has a healthy growing point and is planted at the correct depth.
Disease Management
Lilium humboldtii ssp. ocellatum is susceptible to fungal infections like grey mold (Botrytis cinerea) and lily mosaic virus. To manage grey mold, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove any infected plant debris. If necessary, apply fungicides like copper-based products. For lily mosaic virus, there is no specific treatment, so it is best to remove and destroy infected plants. Additionally, avoid purchasing infected plants and practice good sanitation techniques like disinfecting tools and washing hands before handling plants.
Pest Management
The most common pests that might affect Lilium humboldtii ssp. ocellatum are aphids, thrips, and lily beetles. To manage aphids and thrips, spray the plants with water or insecticidal soap and remove any heavily infested leaves. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are natural predators of these pests, so consider releasing them in the garden. For lily beetles, handpick and destroy adults and their larvae, which can defoliate the plants. You can also use sticky traps to monitor their population and apply insecticides like spinosad or neem oil.
