Regal Lily: A Majestic Addition to Your Garden (With Some Considerations)
If you’re looking for a lily that lives up to its royal name, the regal lily (Lilium regale) might just catch your eye. This stunning perennial has been winning over gardeners for decades with its show-stopping blooms and intoxicating fragrance. But before you rush to plant one, let’s dive into what makes this lily special—and whether it’s the right choice for your garden.
What Makes the Regal Lily So… Well, Regal?
The regal lily certainly knows how to make an entrance. This herbaceous perennial produces magnificent trumpet-shaped flowers that are pure white on the inside with sunny yellow throats, while the outside petals show off elegant purple-pink streaks. When these beauties bloom in mid-summer, they’ll perfume your entire garden with their sweet, intoxicating fragrance that’s especially strong in the evening.
Growing 3-4 feet tall and spreading about 1-2 feet wide, this lily has a graceful, upright growth habit that makes it perfect as an accent plant or centerpiece in your garden beds.
A Bit of Background
Here’s something important to know: the regal lily isn’t actually native to North America. This beauty hails from western China, specifically the Sichuan province. It’s what we call a non-native introduced species that has naturalized in some areas—meaning it can reproduce on its own in the wild without human help. In the United States, it’s been documented growing wild in Alabama, though it may be present in other states as well.
Should You Grow Regal Lily?
The regal lily sits in an interesting middle ground. While it’s not native, it’s also not considered invasive or particularly problematic. This means you can grow it without major ecological concerns, but there are some things to consider:
Reasons you might love it:
- Absolutely stunning, fragrant flowers that make excellent cut flowers
- Relatively easy to grow once established
- Attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it suitable for many climates
- Perfect for cottage gardens, formal borders, and cutting gardens
Things to keep in mind:
- As a non-native species, it won’t provide the same ecological benefits as native plants
- May require more maintenance than native alternatives
- Can self-seed and spread beyond intended areas
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re leaning toward supporting native ecosystems (and we think that’s pretty great!), consider these gorgeous native lily alternatives:
- Wild lily (Lilium philadelphicum) – bright orange-red flowers
- Turk’s cap lily (Lilium superbum) – tall with orange, spotted flowers
- Wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum) – upward-facing orange blooms
These native beauties will provide similar visual impact while supporting local wildlife and requiring less maintenance once established.
Growing Regal Lily Successfully
If you decide the regal lily is right for your garden, here’s how to help it thrive:
Planting Tips:
- Plant bulbs in fall, about 3 times their depth (usually 6-8 inches deep)
- Choose a location with well-draining soil—soggy conditions are a lily’s worst enemy
- Provide full sun to partial shade (morning sun is especially important)
- Space bulbs about 12-18 inches apart
Care and Maintenance:
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to keep roots cool and retain moisture
- Deadhead spent flowers but leave foliage to feed the bulb
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding
- In colder zones, add extra mulch for winter protection
Pollinator and Wildlife Benefits
While not native, regal lilies do offer some benefits to local wildlife. Their nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds during their summer blooming period. The strong evening fragrance also draws night-flying pollinators. However, native lilies will always provide more comprehensive ecosystem support.
The Bottom Line
The regal lily is undeniably gorgeous and can be a stunning addition to the right garden. If you love the look and have your heart set on it, go ahead and plant it—just be mindful of its non-native status and consider balancing it with plenty of native plants. Your garden (and local ecosystem) will be happiest with a diverse mix that includes both beautiful ornamentals and ecologically beneficial native species.
Remember, the best garden is one that brings you joy while being mindful of its environmental impact. Whether you choose regal lily or opt for a native alternative, you’re creating habitat and beauty—and that’s always something to celebrate!
