Oriental lily

‘Stargazer’ lily is popular choice

Oriental lilies (Lilium x orientale) grace summer gardens with brightly colored fragrant blooms (USDA hardiness zones 4-9).  Long tubular (trumpet) flowers measure 6-8 inches across and come in a limited color choices.  From one year to the next, flower numbers increase.

Oriental lilies prefer a compost-rich, well-drained soil where they will delight over several summers and in full to partial sun (5 hours minimum). Maintain 2-3 inches of mulch around plants to keep soil and roots cool and moist.

To create a showy display, plant bulbs 6-10 inches deep in fall or in early spring, preferably in groups of 3 or more. Further, add a few cultivars of Asiatic lilies, that tend to bloom a few weeks to a month earlier. Space bulbs 12-15 inches apart and supply adequate moisture year-round. Fertilize with 10-10-10 or equivalent in early spring.

Lily bulbs are sold for fall planting and pre-chilled bulbs are set in early spring, particularly in southern climes. Potted flowering lilies of all kinds are also sold at garden centers and may be set directly in the garden. Remove spent flowers to prevent seeds from forming. Leave stems and leaves to gradually die back. Gradually, your lily bed will become crowded, and bloom numbers start to decline. By late August, leaves have yellowed; dig up bulbs and divide them. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place for planting later in the fall.

Usually trouble and pest free, potential diseases include: (1) lily mosaic virus; (2) bulb rot (usually wet, poorly-drained soils); and (3) botrytis. Plants may need staking if grown in shade (weaken stems) or in areas with strong winds.

Mix oriental lilies with other sunloving perennials and annuals. Plant some around a patio or deck to fully catch their fragrance on balmy summer evenings. They may also be grown in containers, but stems and flowers tend to be smaller and may need staking. Lilies are also long lasting cut flowers.

Brent Heath with Brent and Becky’s Bulbs recommends planting these 3 Oriental Lily Cultivars:

• ‘Casa Blanca’ features pure white flowers that are 8-10 inches in diameter with reddish-brown anthers. Blooms sit on sturdy 3-4 feet tall stems.
• ‘Stargazer’ is a popular early blooming cultivar with strong 3-4 feet tall stems. Each stem bears 4-12 pink, red and white flowers with reflexed tips and showy orange anthers.
• ‘Tom Pouce’ (in Dutch means “dessert”) grows 18-36 inch tall with fragrant pink flowers with prominent yellow streaking.