Description
Paradisea – Paradise Lily – St. Bruno’s Lily –
There are 2 clump forming rhizomatous perennials in the Anthericaceae family, in this genus. They occur in sub alpine or damp meadows and woodland in Southern Europe. They have short rhizomes with clustered, fleshy roots, and grassy to strap shaped, hairless, grayish green, basal leaves. They are grown for their late spring borne, loose racemes of 4-25 trumpet shaped, 6 petaled, fragrant flowers, up to 1 ½” long, which are good for cutting. Grow in a mixed or herbaceous border.
Grow in humus rich, fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun or or dappled shade. Divide after flowering, or in early spring.
Prone to slugs.
P. liliastrum – This clump forming perennial from the Mountains of Southern Europe grows 12-36″ tall and 12″ wide. From short rhizomes it sprouts grayish green, grass like leaves, 5-10″ long. In late spring or early summer it bears one sided racemes of 4-10 funnel shaped, white flowers, up to 2 ½” long, with conspicuous yellow anthers.
‘Major’ – bears larger flowers
Zones 7-9
