Lilium candidum
Jane McGary (Mon, 14 Jun 2004 09:31:37 PDT)

A few comments on this species, which is just about to open its flowers here:

Well, not that virtually alone; there are a number of western American
species that are adapted to dry summers (though not all of them -- some
grow naturally on streambanks or even in marshes).

That is quite important. Detached scales here have become covered with
fallen leaves and grown well where they fell, without being "planted" at all.

As for cultivation, Edward McRae ("Lilies," 1998) recommends dividing and
replanting in July, just after the leaves and stems wither.

This species is particularly susceptible to Botrytis infection in wet
spring weather and is much attacked by slugs. Commercial stocks are likely
to be infected with viruses if propagated vegetatively. It is, however,
fairly easy to grow from seed, flowering in about 4 years.

Jane McGary
Northwestern Oregon, USA