The botanical name of the Madonna Lily is Lilium candidum. It’s also called White Lily, Baurenlilien, Farmer’s Lily, Lis Blanc, Meadow Lily and White Pond Lily. It’s a perennial bulb that gets planted in the early fall, around the middle of September. Unlike other lilies, this one grows leaves in the fall, blooms in spring, and then goes dormant in the summer. Its green stems grow to be 3 to 5-feet tall. The large, fragrant flowers of the Madonna Lily are white with yellow stamens. The petals form a trumpet-like shape. Read this informative article and learn more interesting facts about the Madonna Lily.
Its Origins
The Madonna Lily is one of the oldest lilies, dating back more than 3,000 years to the Minoan times. Coins and other decorative items with images of the lily have been found. The Roman Catholic Church dedicated it to the Virgin Mary, hence the Madonna Lily name. It symbolizes “purity”. It’s also called the “Annunciation Lily” because it appears in pictures that were painted of the Annunciation. This day is “a festival commemorating the announcement of the Incarnation by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary”, according to thefreedictionary.com.
Cultivation
Unlike other lilies, the Madonna Lily bulb is planted just a few inches under the ground’s surface. It’s not real picky about the type of soil it’s planted in as long as it has good water drainage. The Madonna Lily is a hardy flower that stands strong against frost, diseases and pests.
Medicinal Properties
Records written by the Roman naturalist Plinius show that healing salves and oils were made from Madonna Lilies. It was used to treat everything from a sore muscle to a snake bite clear into the 17th century. The leaves were soaked in brandy and used to dress wounds. The bulbs were steeped in water and made into infusions. The flowers were steeped in alcoholic beverages and used to heal bruises.
Another interesting fact about the Madonna Lily is, it’s still used today in products like healing creams, skin lighteners, facial washes, and in hand and body lotions.
Resources
http://www.flower-garden-bulbs.com/madonnalily.html
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53559917.tip.html
http://www.gardenguides.com/270-madonna-lily-garden-basics-flower-bulb-lilium-candidum.html
http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/l/lilmad24.html
http://www.flower-garden-bulbs.com/madonnalily.html#ixzz1ml5XXX00
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/annunciation