Jacobean Lily

Jacobean lilies or Aztec lilies are much sought-after, yet hard to find bulbs. The blooms are stunning in situ or can be picked for floral arrangements.

Jacobean Lilies have large and unusually shaped, brilliant, crimson flowers. Each flower can reach up to 12 cm across in spring, with the chance of a second round in summer or autumn. The name ‘formosissima’ means ‘very handsome’ which it certainly is.

The strappy foliage is long and rich green in colour. It emerges in spring, just before the flower spikes. In the right conditions the bulbs multiply well through offsets. They are endemic to Southern Mexico and Guatemala, in areas with dry winters and moist summers though they are quite adaptable and can be grown in many areas of Australia especially the warmer climes.

Plant Jacobean lilies with the neck of the bulb at or just above the soil level as you would a Hippeastrum. Grow in well drained soil and avoid root disturbances that could delay flowering. Protect from hard frosts – in Cool to Temperate and even some Mediterranean zones they are best grown in pots as they favour warmth and are not tolerant of frost. When grown in pots they are best left to become overcrowded as this is when they tend to flower best, repot every three or four years when they begin to bulge. Winter dormant.