This Chinese species is the easiest white lily to grow in most gardens. It is very popular for its fine display of long glistening white flowers and for their heady, memorable perfume. The plants tolerate most soils happily, although the height of their stems and the number of flowers depends on the amount of humus and fertility in the ground.

The bulbs themselves are very hardy, but the shoots appear early in the season and are liable to be damaged by frost unless sheltered by adjacent plants. Plants can be raised from seed very quickly, and often flower in their second year. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Grow in full sun with some shade in late afternoon. Too much shade can make lilies leggy, "stretching" for the sun. Soil must be well-drained, with added compost or peat moss. Top dress in fall with mulch to avoid "heaving" from early winter thaws. Keep soil cool in summer with over-plantings of ground covers or annuals. Plant 2 to 3 times as deep as their diameter.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Regales are funnel-shaped and will tower over perennials catching the eye upward. Plant in masses.

Problems:

Lilies have few problems. Aphids can attach to buds; treat with mild insecticidal soap since aphids can carry a mosaic virus which has no cure. Plants must be removed from the site. Mosaic causes yellow streaking or mottling on leaves, disfiguring buds and flowers. If planted in hot and humid areas it's best to keep lilies in raised beds to avoid fungal problems. Some rodents (such as mice, voles, gophers and chipmunks) like to eat the bulbs. If these are problems in your area, plant bulbs in wire mesh cages or buried pots. Deer and rabbits eat leaves, buds and flowers. Regal lilies require staking since they can grow up to 6'. If used for cutting always leave at least 1/3 of the stalk for nutrition for the following year's development.

Uses:

Plant in groups integrated in a perennial border. Planting together different species of lilies (Asiatic, Oriental, trumpet, etc.) will allow for a full season of blooming lilies. Plant perennials near lilies to cover left over greenery after flowering.