Perennial
Celestial Lily
Nemastylis floridana
Varieties We Carry
StandardNemastylis floridana
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$14.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightFull Sun
WaterModerate-High
Mature size1.5-2.5 feet × 1-2 feet
About Celestial Lily
Celestial Lily (Nemastylis floridana) is a rare Florida endemic wildflower in the iris family, producing deep blue to lavender blooms in late summer and fall that open for only a few hours each afternoon. Native to wet pinelands and marsh edges of peninsular Florida, it is a state-listed endangered species prized for conservation and native wildflower gardens. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Purple, Blue
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained, Wet
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Higher water demand in summer heat.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Plant Celestial Lily in full sun — UF/IFAS and Florida native plant sources confirm this Florida endemic requires open, sunny conditions to bloom. Shade suppresses flowering.
Water
Requires moist to wet soil during summer and fall, its active growing and blooming season. Plant in seasonally wet flatwoods or marsh margins; supplement irrigation during dry spells in NE Florida to maintain consistent moisture.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in moist, fertile, sandy or loamy soil. Top-dress with organic compost to improve moisture retention. Minimal fertilizer needed for this Florida native; excessive nutrients can favor weedy competition over bulb establishment.
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Common questions
Is Celestial Lily a good plant for St. Augustine?
Celestial Lily is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 1.5-2.5 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.