Melinda Myers

Oriental Lily

Botanical Name

Lilium

Min Zone

5

Max Zone

10

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