Formosa Lily
Best reliable blooms for gardeners seeking elegant, thriving lilies.
The Formosa Lily, also known as the Philippine Lily or Taiwan Mountain Lily, produces long, white, fragrant trumpets on tall, sturdy stems in mid to late summer. This exceptionally easy-to-grow lily can reach heights of 7 feet or more and readily naturalizes, making it a cherished heirloom. It's a favorite for attracting pollinators, including Hummingbird Moths, and is a perfect addition to a Moon/Moth garden. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soils with average moisture.
$14.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
2378
/ 4677
#2378 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-46%
Below average
Grows To
571216
/ -'H x -''W
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant late-season color and beauty
- Novice gardeners desiring a rewarding, low-maintenance flowering plant
- Eco-conscious gardeners wanting to support local wildlife and ecosystems
Who should skip it
- Gardeners expecting long-term perennial performance from their plants
- Gardeners in warm climates concerned about plant spread
- Cat owners prioritizing pet safety in their garden
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
Highly effective at drawing in hummingbirds and specialized moths.
Growth Potential
Reaches impressive seven-foot heights for dramatic vertical garden impact.
Ease of Maintenance
A resilient, low-fuss heirloom that naturalizes with minimal intervention.
Drought Tolerance
Establishes well and handles dry spells better than most lilies.
Fragrance Intensity
Produces a powerful, sweet scent ideal for evening garden enjoyment.
Hardiness Range
Best suited for warmer climates with limited winter cold tolerance.
Key Specs
Grows To
5-7'H x 12-16''W
USDA Cold Hardiness Zones (2012)
7,8,9, (Biennial 5,6)
Outdoor Light
Full sun, Mostly sunny, Part shade, Part sun
pH Range
Acidic, Mildly Acidic, Neutral
Soil & Moisture
Well-drained soils, average moist, fertile soils. Somewhat drought resistance once well-established.
Flowering Period
Summer
Fertilizing
Fall, winter, and spring in zones 8 and warmer. Spring until about midsummer in colder regions.
When to Plant
Easy to establish anytime of year from containers where reliably hardy. Dig and divide in late winter or early spring if desired.
Features
- Tall, fragrant white trumpet flowers
- Reaches impressive heights of 5-7 feet
- Easy to grow and naturalizes readily
- Attracts pollinators like Hummingbird Moths
- Suitable for Moon/Moth gardens
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade
- Prefers well-drained, fertile soils
- Drought resistant once established
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Formosa Lily plants received from Almost Eden. Many reviewers highlight the robust health and vigorous growth of their specimens upon arrival, often noting strong root systems and healthy foliage. This initial quality translates into reliable establishment and impressive flowering, exceeding expectations for beauty and garden performance. Gardeners appreciate the consistent success they experience with these lilies, making them a trusted choice for adding elegant blooms to their landscapes. The plant's ability to thrive and produce abundant, fragrant flowers is a recurring positive theme.
Know before you buy
You can expect this lily to reach an impressive height of 5 to 7 feet. Because of its stature, it is best placed toward the back of a garden bed or in a location where it won't shade out smaller plants.
The Formosa Lily is reliably hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9. In colder regions—zones 5 and 6—it is typically grown as a biennial, meaning it will complete its life cycle over two years.
It is considered very easy to grow and is quite low-maintenance. Once established, it is somewhat drought-resistant, though it performs best in fertile, well-drained soil with average moisture.
Yes, it is an excellent choice. The fragrant, white trumpet flowers are particularly effective at attracting pollinators, including Hummingbird Moths, making it a standout addition to a Moon or Moth garden.
This plant is quite versatile and can be grown in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. For the best results, ensure the soil remains well-drained regardless of the light exposure.
In warmer climates (zones 8 and up), you should fertilize in the fall, winter, and spring. In colder regions, it is best to fertilize from early spring until midsummer.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$15