The Easter lily is a relatively new tradition – first brought to the United States in 1882 from Bermuda. The large, pure-white blossoms remind Christians of the pure, new life that comes through the Resurrection of Jesus.
Do Easter lilies come back every year?
Like many bulbs, the Easter lily emerges and grows relatively quickly each season, though new bulbs might not flower until their second year. The bulbs should be planted in the fall or very early spring. This plant commonly adopted the name “Easter lily” due to its role as a traditional Easter-time symbol .
Why are Easter lilies the national flower of America?
Also known as Bermuda lilies, or Lilim longiflorum to the horticultural crowd, Easter lilies became the go-to flower for the spring holiday on American shores in the 20th century.
How do they get the Easter lilies to bloom?
Today, the region is called the Easter Lily Capital of the World, where over 95 percent of potted Easter lily bulbs are produced. The bulbs are harvested in fall, then packed and shipped to commercial greenhouses. In order to get the flowers to bloom for Easter, they are planted in pots and forced to bloom under controlled conditions.
What do Easter lily flowers look like?
And then there’s the Easter lily. Attend an Easter service anywhere in North America, and you’re bound to see white, trumpet-like flowers anchoring the floral arrangements, or at least pick up their strong perfume.
What is the meaning of the Easter lily bulb?
Later, in the Christian faith, they became associated with the Virgin Mary, as well as the resurrection of Jesus, an event that’s commemorated every year on Easter. Much as the lily’s significance has traveled through time and traditions, Easter lily bulbs have traversed the globe.
Are red lily leaf beetles a problem for Easter lilies?
In some areas (for example, New England in the U. S.), the red lily leaf beetle ( Lilioceris lilii) is a potential problem for the grower of Easter lilies. 1 It also attacks other members of the genus, Lilium (for example ‘Fangio’ L. A. hybrids and ‘Stargazer’ lilies’) and the genus, Fritillaria.