lelie

Lelie is the Dutch name for members of the genus Lilium, a group of bulbous flowering plants in the family Liliaceae. Lilies are cultivated worldwide as ornamentals for their large, striking flowers and long-lasting cut blooms. They include numerous species and many garden hybrids.

Description: Lilies are tall, herbaceous perennials with upright stems bearing terminal inflorescences. The flowers are typically large, trumpet- or cup-shaped with six tepals (three petals and three sepals) that can be white, yellow, orange, pink, red, or speckled. Leaves are narrow and arranged along the stem, often with a rosette of basal leaves.

Distribution and habitat: Native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. In gardens they prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They generally require a winter resting period and mulching in colder climates.

Cultivation and varieties: Many cultivated varieties exist, grouped into categories such as Asiatic, Oriental, and Trumpet lilies. Propagation is by division of bulbs or, less commonly, seed or bulb scales. Plant bulbs deeply in well-drained soil, with staking for tall stems.

Uses and safety: Lilies are widely used in gardens and floral arrangements for their beauty and fragrance. They are attractive to pollinators but can be toxic to pets; ingestion of any part of a lily can cause serious illness in cats, and some species can irritate skin or mucous membranes in sensitive people.