Seasonal cut flowerLilium longiflorum
Christmas lily: when it's in season in Australia
In season now (November 2026): Yes in every state
Christmas lily is within the listed Australian season in November. The national season is November to December. Local growing conditions and supply can change the timing. Check the state guide below and ask your florist about locally grown stems before ordering, especially near the beginning or end of the season.
- Right now
- In season in November
- Season
- November to December
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Written by Dan d'Auvergne
Season by state
Flowers and pets: check before bringing a bunch home
Season months drafted from lilysflorist.com.au, gardensonline.com.au, abc.net.au, ivyandtwig.com.au, reusflowerco.com.au and 1 more. Availability varies by grower and region. See sources
The Christmas lily is the white trumpet lily, Lilium longiflorum. In Australia it flowers naturally in November and December, which is how it got its name. ABC Gardening Australia calls it an excellent cut flower, and small farms sell field-grown bunches in the weeks before Christmas, such as Reus Flower Co near Ballarat and Ivy and Twig. It is also grown from bulbs in home gardens, where it opens in early summer. Most lilies at the florist in December are glasshouse orientals and Asiatics, so ask for Christmas lilies by name if you want the white trumpets.
Where to buy Christmas lily
Field-grown bunches sell out close to Christmas. Ivy and Twig listed two bunches for $80, checked 8 November 2026.
How to choose good Christmas lily
Look for stems with several buds, a couple showing white, and firm green leaves. Fully open flowers will not last as long and drop pollen sooner.
We're still finding florists who stock christmas lily. Check your local flower market.
Grown here or imported?
Christmas lily is not native to Australia, but it's grown here commercially.
Where it's grown
Christmas lilies are grown from bulbs in home gardens and in the field on small Australian flower farms, such as Reus Flower Co at Wendouree in Victoria.
We're still checking whether out-of-season Christmas lily is imported into Australia, and from where. If you see it outside the months above, ask your florist where it came from.
Colours, varieties and care
Colours
- white
Making it last
- Buy stems with buds that show white but are not yet open
- Recut stems and remove leaves below the waterline
- Pull off the orange anthers as each flower opens to stop pollen staining
- Top up water daily, as lilies drink a lot
- Keep away from cats, as all parts of lilies are toxic to them
Questions people ask
When are Christmas lilies in season in Australia?
Christmas lilies (Lilium longiflorum) flower naturally in November and December in Australia. Field-grown bunches from local farms are around for a few weeks before Christmas and often sell out.
Is the Christmas lily the same as other lilies at the florist?
No. The Christmas lily is the white trumpet lily, Lilium longiflorum. Most lilies sold through the year are glasshouse oriental and Asiatic hybrids. Ask for Christmas lilies by name in December.
Are Christmas lilies toxic to cats?
Yes. The RSPCA says lilies are extremely toxic to cats and that all parts of the plant are toxic, including the petals, stems, leaves and pollen. Keep Christmas lilies out of homes with cats.
Related flowers
All flowers
Where this season information comes from
- lilysflorist.com.au/blog/easter-flower-gifting-australia
- gardensonline.com.au/gardenshed/plantfinder/show_972.aspx
- abc.net.au/gardening/how-to/liliums/9429624
- ivyandtwig.com.au/products/freshly-cut-christmas-lilies
- reusflowerco.com.au/christmas-lily
- kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/are-lilies-toxic-to-cats