Trumpet lily (Lilium longiflorum 'White Heaven')
The stunning Lilium longiflorum 'White Heaven' (Trumpet lily) delivers large, fragrant white blooms from July to August. Ideal for borders.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The elegant Lilium longiflorum ‘White Heaven’, commonly known as the Trumpet lily, is prized by gardeners for its dramatic, pure white, trumpet-shaped flowers that release a wonderful fragrance into the summer air. This Division V hybrid lily provides striking vertical accents, reaching heights between two and three feet when mature. Its strong stems are clad in glossy, dark green foliage, creating a beautiful contrast with the large blooms appearing primarily in July and August.
Growing the Lilium longiflorum ‘White Heaven’ successfully involves ensuring excellent soil drainage and consistent moisture throughout the growing season. While it thrives in full sun, part shade is acceptable, though heavy shade can eventually weaken the stems. This spectacular bulb is an excellent choice for adding classic elegance and powerful scent to the perennial display.
For optimal performance, remember that this plant requires medium maintenance to manage pests and ensure proper structural support if needed. Whether showcased in beds or containers, the visual impact and aromatic qualities of the Trumpet lily make it a staple for dedicated summer gardeners.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Liliaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Lilium longiflorum ‘White Heaven’ bulbs is best done in the fall or very early spring in sheltered locations. Dig holes 4 to 6 inches deep; bulbs should be spaced about 12 inches apart to allow room for a full display. These lilies prefer rich, organic soils that are medium in moisture and critically, well-drained to prevent bulb rot.
Water requirements are medium; bulbs need good moisture year-round, so never allow the soil to dry out completely. A unique cultural tip for Trumpet lilies is to ensure the upper plant receives full sun while keeping the root zone shaded and cool, often achieved by mulching heavily around the base.
After the bloom period finishes in late summer, resist the urge to prune immediately. Allow the foliage and stems to remain intact until they naturally turn yellow, as this allows the plant to store energy back into the bulb for next season’s display. Staking might be necessary if the plant is situated in too much shade, as weakened stems may flop under wind or heavy blooms.
Landscape Uses
The magnificent, showy flowers of the Lilium longiflorum ‘White Heaven’ make it an excellent specimen for providing dramatic color and refreshing contrast within the summer perennial border. Plant them in clusters of three for the most visually impactful presentation. Their height and elegant form also make them suitable for cutting gardens; they make substantial, fragrant additions to fresh bouquets.
While they perform splendidly planted directly in the ground, you can successfully grow them in pots or containers, though this might yield slightly smaller plants and flowers. When using containers, ensure the pot provides superior drainage and use a quality potting mix, keeping in mind that container plants often require more vigilant watering than those in the ground.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lilium longiflorum is a Division IX true species lily, native to the southern islands of Japan and Taiwan, featuring large, fragrant, outward-facing, trumpet-shaped, pure white flowers up to 7 inches long. The cultivar ‘White Heaven’ is specifically a Division V hybrid lily, which also features long, fragrant, trumpet-shaped white flowers blooming reliably in mid-summer on rigid stems reaching up to 32 inches tall, clad with glossy, lance-shaped leaves. Longiflorum lilies are frequently and incorrectly known as Easter lilies unless they have been forced into earlier bloom.
Tolerances
This section is not applicable based on provided data.
Potential Problems
This lily is generally pest-free, but gardeners should remain vigilant against a few specific issues. The primary concern is lily mosaic virus; since there is no cure, prompt management of aphids—the vector for the disease—is crucial for prevention. Bulb rot is another major threat, especially if the plant is situated in poorly drained or overly wet soils, underscoring the necessity of excellent drainage.
Fungal diseases like Botrytis can also appear, particularly in humid conditions. Furthermore, be aware that if the Trumpet lily is placed in locations that receive excessive shade, the stems can weaken considerably, necessitating staking to prevent them from lodging in strong winds or heavy rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Lilium longiflorum ‘White Heaven’ suitable for?
This beautiful Trumpet lily is best suited for cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.
How large does the Trumpet lily grow?
Mature specimens of Lilium longiflorum ‘White Heaven’ typically reach a height between 2 and 3 feet, with a spread ranging from 1 to 2 feet.
What sun exposure does Lilium longiflorum ‘White Heaven’ need?
This lily performs well in full sun locations but will also tolerate part shade, provided the requirements for root cooling are met.
When does the Trumpet lily bloom?
You can expect the fragrant, white blossoms of the Lilium longiflorum ‘White Heaven’ to appear during the peak summer months of July to August.
Conclusion
The Lilium longiflorum ‘White Heaven’ offers unbeatable summer fragrance coupled with stunning, classic white blooms, making it a desirable addition to any garden focused on high impact and scent. Ensure you meet the medium water and sun requirements for this Trumpet lily to guarantee robust health. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 5-8 and plan for fall planting for the best establishment.
Companion Planting Strategy
The cultural needs of Lilium longiflorum ‘White Heaven’—full sun on the upper plant, cool roots, and consistent moisture—dictate excellent companion choices. Pair them with low-growing groundcovers like Hostas (that thrive in partial shade) or low spreading Geraniums to shade the root zone and keep the soil cool, mimicking their preferred woodland-edge conditions. Avoid planting aggressive competitors nearby that might steal moisture or nutrients from the lily bulbs.
Seasonal Care Calendar
For successful growing of your Trumpet lily, follow a basic seasonal rhythm. In early spring, plant any bulbs obtained late or mulch existing plantings deeply to begin cooling the roots immediately. Throughout the summer, maintain consistent watering, especially during dry spells, adhering to the medium water requirement standard. After the July/August bloom, let the foliage die back naturally; only in autumn, once the stems have completely yellowed, should you carefully remove the old growth to prepare the bed for winter dormancy.
