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Paradise Lily Wikimedia Commons
Asparagaceae

Paradise Lily

Paradisea liliastrum

Heavenly purity and mountain serenity.

Family
Asparagaceae
Genus
Paradisea
Native to
European Alps, southern Europe
Bloom season
Late Spring, Early Summer
Type
herbaceous perennial
Height
30–60 cm
Sunlight
full sun to part shade
Soil
well-drained, humus-rich
Water
moderate
Hardiness
5–8
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Its genus name Paradisea literally means 'of paradise', reflecting its ethereal beauty in Alpine meadows.
  • Despite its common name, it is not a true lily but belongs to the asparagus family.
  • It thrives in the nutrient-poor soils of Alpine meadows where few other showier plants can compete.
  • The fragrant white trumpet-shaped flowers can produce a subtle sweet scent that attracts long-tongued pollinators.
  • It was first formally described by Linnaeus in 1753 and has been a prized Alpine garden plant ever since.

Color meanings

White

celestial beauty and innocence

Uses

  • Alpine rock gardens
  • ornamental borders
  • cut flowers
  • cottage gardens