Plant Description
Flowers: Large, outward-facing, trumpet-shaped blooms that can reach 8 to 10 inches across. They are milky white with delicate green centers and prominent reddish-brown anthers (which are often removed in bouquets to prevent staining).
Fragrance: Intense and spicy-sweet; a single stem can perfume an entire room or garden corner.
Size: A tall, stately plant reaching 3 to 5 feet in height with a narrow, upright habit.
Bloom Period: Late summer (typically July to August), providing a grand finale to the lily season.
Expert Care Guide
Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, it is essential to keep the "head in the sun and feet in the shade"—meaning the flowers need light, but the soil should be kept cool with mulch or low-growing companion plants.
Soil: Requires rich, acidic to neutral, well-draining soil. They are intolerant of "wet feet," which causes bulb rot.
Planting: Plant bulbs in fall or early spring. Set them 6 to 8 inches deep and space them 8 to 12 inches apart.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy during the growing season.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like 10-10-10) in early spring when shoots emerge and again when buds appear.
Maintenance:
Staking: Because they are tall and top-heavy with large blooms, they require staking, especially in windy areas.
Deadheading: Remove faded flowers to prevent seed pod formation, but do not cut the stem or leaves until they have turned completely yellow/brown in the fall. The plant needs the foliage to recharge the bulb for next year.
Important Safety Note
Like all true lilies, Casa Blancas are highly toxic to cats. Even a small amount of pollen can cause kidney failure. They are generally safe for dogs, though they may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.