Overview
Lilium mary-henryae Roane & Henry, commonly known as Mary Henry's lily, is a rare and endangered species of plant that belongs to the family Liliaceae.
Origin
The plant is native to the southern Appalachian region, particularly in the higher elevations of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina in the United States. It is named after Mary Henry, a renowned botanist who discovered the plant near her home in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1978.
Uses
The plant has no known medicinal or culinary uses. However, it is a highly sought-after ornamental plant due to its striking colors and unique shape. Many botanical gardens and conservatories cultivate Mary Henry's lily for display.
Appearance
Mary Henry's lily is a perennial herb that grows up to 70cm tall. The plant features a single erect stem with several narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged in an alternate pattern. The inflorescence is a solitary, trumpet-shaped flower that blooms in late June or early July. The flower is orangish-red with dark spots on the petals and a prominent yellow-green pistil in the center. The plant produces a small capsule containing numerous brown seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Light Requirements
Lilium mary-henryae typically grows best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimum growth. When grown in shaded conditions, the plant tends to grow taller with fewer flowers and weaker stems.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a cool and moist climate with temperature ranging between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. It grows well in areas with a consistent temperature between day and night. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, will negatively affect the growth and blooming of this plant.
Soil Requirements
Lilium mary-henryae grows best in well-drained, fertile and sandy soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil must contain enough organic matter to keep the soil moist. It does not tolerate soil that is too acidic or too alkaline. The addition of organic matter like compost or manure before planting can improve the soil quality and support healthy growth of the plant.
Cultivation
Lilium mary-henryae, commonly known as the Henry’s lily, is a perennial plant that prefers dappled shade with well-draining and moist soil. Plant it in holes measuring 15 cm deep and 15 cm wide, and space them about 30-45 cm apart. The best planting time is during autumn and winter. It grows best in Zones 6-8 and can survive the winter in Zone 5 with proper care.
Watering Needs
Henry's lilies require regular and adequate water during the growing and blooming seasons. You should keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It would be best to water them two to three times a week, depending on the temperature, weather, and soil conditions. Water them deeply, especially when the weather is hot and dry. However, during the dormant season, keep them dry to prevent the bulbs from rotting.
Fertilization
Henry’s lilies prefer being fed with a balanced slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 formula. You should apply the fertilizer in early spring, just as they start showing signs of growth. Follow the directions on the package since different brands have varying concentrations and application rates. Too much fertilizer can lead to lush foliage but few blooms.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the appearance of the plant. After blooming, remove the dead flowers, but leave the stem and foliage intact until they turn yellow or brown. The leaves help in photosynthesis, which provides energy to the bulb for next year's growth. When the foliage starts dying, you can remove it by cutting it at the base of the plant with sterilized pruning shears. You should also remove any diseased or decaying parts of the plant to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Lilium mary-henryae Roane & Henry
Lilium mary-henryae Roane & Henry is a relatively new species of lily that was discovered in 2002. It is a rare plant that has a limited range and is threatened by habitat loss. Therefore, propagation of this plant is vital to ensure its survival. Here are the propagation methods for Lilium mary-henryae Roane & Henry.
Propagation by Seed
The primary method of propagation of Lilium mary-henryae Roane & Henry is by seed. The seeds should be collected in late summer or early fall when the seed pods are mature and have turned brown. The seeds should then be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted.
Before planting, the seeds should be stratified for six to eight weeks. This can be done by placing the seeds in a plastic bag filled with moistened vermiculite or peat moss and storing them in a refrigerator. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a location with bright, indirect light. The seeds will germinate in two to eight weeks.
Propagation by Bulbs
Lilium mary-henryae Roane & Henry can also be propagated by bulbs. However, this is a less common method since the plant produces bulbs slowly and takes several years to reach maturity.
To propagate by bulbs, carefully remove the bulbs from the parent plant in the fall after the foliage has died back. The bulbs should be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted in the spring. When planting, make sure to plant the bulbs at a depth of two to three times their diameter in a well-draining soil mix and in a location with bright, indirect light.
Propagation by bulbs should only be done if the plant has several bulbs and can afford to lose one. Killing the parent plant for just one or two bulbs is not recommended since the plant is already endangered.
Disease Management for Lilium mary-henryae Roane & Henry
The Lilium mary-henryae Roane & Henry plant is susceptible to several diseases that usually manifest in leaf spots, shoot blights, and botrytis blight. Here are some tips to manage these diseases:
- Practice sanitation: Remove and destroy infected plant debris and avoid overhead irrigation to minimize moisture on the leaves, which can lead to fungal infection.
- Use fungicides: Apply fungicides according to the label instructions, ensuring full coverage and following recommended application rates for effective disease control. Fungicides containing chlorothalonil and mancozeb are effective against leaf spots, botrytis blight, and other fungal diseases.
- Crop rotation: Avoid planting susceptible plants in the same spot for several years. Rotate different crops to reduce inoculum buildup in the soil.
Pest Management for Lilium mary-henryae Roane & Henry
The Lilium mary-henryae Roane & Henry plant can also be attacked by different pest species such as lily leaf beetle, aphids, and spider mites. Here are some recommendations on how to manage them:
- Handpicking: Regularly inspect plants and remove any pests that are found by handpicking. It is an effective method of controlling small infestations.
- Use of insecticidal soap: Use insecticidal soap to control soft-bodied insects such as aphids. Apply according to the instructions on the label and ensure full coverage of the plant.
- Use of neem oil: Neem oil is effective in controlling a broad range of pests, including spider mites. Apply as directed on the label.
