The Story
Plant Bio
Known as the Aztec lily, this bulbous perennial produces striking red flowers.
Distinctive, star-shaped flowers with a unique shape, often used in tropical or exotic garden designs.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
12 inches
Width
8 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mexico and Central America
Toxicity
Toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Early summer – Late summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck bulbs 4 inches deep into well-draining soil in a sunny spot.
- Water sparingly until sprouts appear, then keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Mist foliage during dry spells to maintain humidity.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth.
- Remove dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth.
- Lift bulbs in fall if grown in colder zones and store in a cool dry place.
Pro Tip
Plant bulbs in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during active growth 🌱
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
- Apply fertilizer monthly during blooming season
- Remove dead foliage to keep plant healthy
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Overwater to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Plant too deep or too shallow
- Neglect to remove spent flowers
- Expose to frost without protection in colder zones
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Aztec Lily questions
What zones can Aztec Lily grow in?
Aztec Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Aztec Lily deer resistant?
Yes — Aztec Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Aztec Lily bloom?
Aztec Lily typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Aztec Lily need full sun?
Aztec Lily does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Aztec Lily drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Aztec Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Aztec Lily with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.