Photo: DrepanostomaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Illyrian Lily Plant Care
Pancratium illyricum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This stunning plant is characterized by its long, strap-like leaves and fragrant, white trumpet-shaped flowers. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Pancratium illyricum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique beauty and rarity in cultivation. Its elegant appearance and delightful scent make it a prized addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Illyrian Lily?
Water Illyrian Lily every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Illyrian Lily?
Illyrian Lily (Pancratium illyricum) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Pancratium genus. Illyrian Lily is native to Corsica, Sardinia and the Capraia Islands of Tuscany.
Illyrian Lily displays a tall, upright perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Illyrian Lily produces large white fragrant flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Illyrian Lily?
Pancratium illyricum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Illyrian Lily Need?
Illyrian Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Illyrian Lily Prefer?
Pancratium illyricum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Illyrian Lily prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Illyrian Lily?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Illyrian Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Illyrian Lily?
Feed Illyrian Lily every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Illyrian Lily?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Illyrian Lily?
Illyrian Lily can be propagated through division of offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to canary island sea daffodil plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Illyrian Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to pets, can cause skin irritation in humans
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Illyrian Lily?
Illyrian Lily is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, thrips. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Illyrian Lily Need?
Illyrian Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Illyrian Lily is native to Corsica, Sardinia and the Capraia Islands of Tuscany. In cooler regions, grow Illyrian Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Illyrian Lily is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Pancratium genus — compare its care with other Pancratium species on PlantoScan.
Pancratium is part of the Amaryllidaceae plant family — browse all Amaryllidaceae genera and species.
Illyrian Lily thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pancratium illyricum L., family Amaryllidaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 291 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Illyrian Lily is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Drepanostoma, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a – 10b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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