Oriental Lily

Botanical Name

Lilium

Min Zone

Max Zone

Height

24 to 72 inches

Flowers

Summer: white, pink, red

Light

Full sun

Soil

Well-drained

Planting & Care

Plant lily bulbs in fall
Plant bulbs at a depth two to three times their length and space at least three times their width apart
Use a minimum planting depth for those planted in clay soil, the deeper the bulb is planted, the greater the risk of bulb rot
Add organic matter to heavy clay soil to improve drainage
Purchase and plant precooled bulbs in the spring as soon as the soil is workable
Lilies are also sold as plants during the growing season and can be planted whenever available
Mulch the soil to keep lily roots cool and moist
Avoid overwatering, especially in clay soil, this can lead to root rot
Apply a winter mulch after the ground freezes for added insulation and for help in getting the bulbs through challenging winters
Oriental lilies producelots of showy fragrant flowers that can be trumpet-shaped, bowl-shaped, flat-faced or with recurved petals
Many florists are forcing Asiatic hybrids for Easter bloom

Problems

Animals, root rot in poorly drained soils, hardiness, fasciation, aphids, virus

Varieties

Miss Lucy - first true double flowering Oriental lily, pinkish white flowers in July and August
Casa Blanca - large 10 inch fragrant white flowers
Star Gazer - red, star-shaped with recurved tips marked with darker spots