For a lot of Chinese families, there is one thing that needs to be written on the shopping list before every Chinese Spring Festival. That is Chinese sacred lily bulbs. If planted during the winter, you will receive elegant flowers with sweet fragrances during the spring.

Chinese sacred lily has been cultivated for over a thousand years in China. It is listed as one of the "Top Ten Famous Flowers" by Chinese people for its beauty. Many famous ancient Chinese authors praised this flower, including philosopher and poet Zhuxi, and poet Yang Wanli.

Interestingly, though this flower is considered one of the emblems of Chinese culture, it did not originate in China. The Chinese sacred lily is a cultivar of the Narcissus genus, which barely produces seeds but grows from the bulb. It was probably a "traveler" from West Asia or the Mediterranean Region during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) over the Silk Road, then got accustomed to the environment and climate of China and took China as its "second hometown".

The Chinese sacred lily is an indoor plant. It could not be easier to grow, as you only need a beautiful pot with three to five bulbs and enough care to make it bloom. You can grow it in sand, soil or even water. Normally, the bulbs will bloom three to eight weeks after planting, which is usually during spring, when you harvest a sweet home of wonderful fragrance.

There is one thing to be concerned about. All Narcissus plants are toxic, ingestion may cause severe discomfort, so keep it away from your pets and children.

Read more from the series:

Season of flower

(All images via VCG)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com)