Lilium Candidum

In cultivation since the time of the Minoans, 1500 years before the birth of Christ, this lily probably reached western Europe via Phoenician traders. From there it quickly naturalized throughout much of the continent. The outwardly facing, pure white flowers with yellow throats adorn tall stems in early summer and gently perfume the garden. Each 2 to 5 foot stem holds 8 to 15 funnel-shaped florets. Unlike other lilies, L. candidum is not stem-rooting and should be placed with the top of the bulb only a few inches below the soil's surface. They make new growth in fall.