Formosa Lily Seeds
Best unique blooms for patient home gardeners.
Introduced from Taiwan in the 1880s, the Formosa Lily is a spectacular self-seeding, perennial lily. It produces large, extremely fragrant, funnel-shaped white flowers with wine-purple outer petals in mid to late summer. The flowering stems rise high above dark green, strap-like foliage, and the ornamental seedpods are attractive in dried arrangements. These easy-to-grow lilies are a beautiful addition to any garden, offering both stunning blooms and long-lasting visual appeal.
$3.95
Owner Satisfaction
3.8
/ 5
Category Rank
6404
/ 6513
#6404 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Genus
Lilium
/ Lilium
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking to fill large spaces with beautiful, unique lilies affordably.
- Enthusiasts who enjoy the full process of plant cultivation from its very beginning.
- Experienced growers interested in developing hardy, naturally adapted plant populations.
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners desiring immediate floral impact in their landscape designs.
- Beginners unfamiliar with advanced seed starting techniques or cold stratification requirements.
- Planners who prioritize consistent plant size and bloom characteristics across their garden.
Performance breakdown
Fragrance Intensity
Produces a powerful, sweet scent that permeates the entire garden space.
Ease of Cultivation
Low-maintenance perennial habit makes these lilies ideal for beginner gardeners.
Visual Impact
Dramatic six-foot stems create a striking vertical focal point in landscapes.
Propagation Potential
Reliable self-seeding nature ensures a recurring display year after year.
Floral Versatility
Seedpods offer excellent structural interest for dried floral arrangements.
Climate Adaptability
Broad hardiness range covers most temperate zones with minimal fuss.
Key Specs
Genus
Lilium
Species
formosanum
USDA Zones
5 - 9
Exposure
Full Sun to Light Shade
Planting Method
Transplant
Planting Depth
1/4"
Days to Emerge
21 - 28
Plant Spacing
1 - 1.5' apart
Know before you buy
These lilies are quite statuesque, with flowering stems that reach between 4 and 6 feet in height. Be sure to provide enough space in your garden beds to accommodate their vertical growth.
Formosa Lilies are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. They are perennial, meaning they are designed to return year after year within these temperature ranges.
For the best results, plant your seeds in an area that receives full sun to light shade. Consistent sunlight helps support their tall, fragrant blooms throughout the summer.
Plant the seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch using the transplant method. You can expect them to emerge in approximately 21 to 28 days.
Yes, the ornamental seedpods are a popular choice for dried arrangements. They provide a unique, architectural look that extends the plant's visual appeal well after the flowers have faded.
No, the Formosa Lily is a self-seeding perennial. Once established, it will naturally drop seeds to encourage continuous blooms in your garden for seasons to come.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.