Consulta Plantas

Care of the rhizomatous plant Anthericum liliago or St Bernard's lily

The genus Anthericum, family Asparagaceae, comprises 300 species of tuberous and rhizomatous plants distributed throughout Africa, Europe and Madagascar. Some species are: Anthericum liliago, Anthericum baeticum, Anthericum ramosum.

Common name: St Bernard's lily. This species is native to Europe and Turkey.

They are perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plants that reach 80 cm (2.62 feet) in height when they flower. Its long, ribbed green leaves are basal. The flower stems end in spiky inflorescences that have attractive 6-petal white flowers. They bloom from mid-spring to mid-summer.

St Bernard's lily is used in rockeries, in flower beds with other bulbous plants or in pots.

Anthericum liliago needs full sun exposure. It resists occasional and low intensity frosts.

St Bernard's lily can grow in any type of well-drained soil, be it sandy, stony or limestone; it prefers it to contain organic matter.

Water once the soil has dried well. In winter, reduce watering considerably.

Fertilize with compost in late winter.

It's advisable to prune the withered flower stems.

Anthericum liliago is a plant resistant to pests and diseases but can be attacked by slugs and snails.

St Bernard's lily propagates from seeds sown in spring, autumn or late winter.

Images of the rhizomatous plant Anthericum liliago or St Bernard's lily