St Bernard's lily (Anthericum liliago)
Care, watering, light and tips for St Bernard's lily on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Indirect light
- Temperature: 10–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About St Bernard's lily
Anthericum liliago, commonly known as "St. Bernard's Lily" or "Storsandlilje" in Norwegian, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Asparagaceae family, notable for its elegant spikes of star-shaped white flowers. Its linear leaves and slender habit make it ideal for rockeries, garden borders, or as part of a naturalized meadow, adding a wild and delicate touch. It blooms in spring and early summer, creating a charming contrast with the green foliage.
Native range
Europe and North Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun or light partial shade and well-drained soil, preferably sandy or stony, to prevent waterlogging which can rot its roots. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings, and reduced during winter when the plant is dormant. Avoid heavy, clayey soils, which retain too much moisture and are the most common cause of problems for this species. It is a drought-tolerant plant once established.
How to save a dying St Bernard's lily
- Warning signs
- Pale or yellowing leaves, dry tips, soft stems. May wilt.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture. If dry, water deeply. If waterlogged, aerate roots or repot. Place in partial shade.
- What kills it
- Overwatering rotting roots or prolonged drought. Also intense direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's quite resilient. Act quickly by correcting watering and sun exposure.