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Overview
Oriental hybrid lilies have very large, fragrant flowers, made up of six petals (tepals) that can be up to 15 cms across. There can sometimes be several flowerheads per stem.
They are classified as 'true Lilies' e.g. they are very hardy, grow from plump and scaly bulbs and produce the most spectacular of all in the genus.
They are relatively easy to grow, contribute well to both formal and informal gardens alike and make excellent cut flowers.
Butterly attractors.
Oriental Lilies are divided into four sub groups -
- Trumpet shaped,
- Bowl shaped,
- Flat-faced,
- Recurved.
They are not to be confused with the Asiatic hybrids which are most commonly used for the cut flower trade.
Soil: Plant the bulbs in autumn in well drained, acidic and friable soils with plenty of added organic matter.
This Lilium group do not like lime, so if you have very alkaline soil they are best grown in pots, many growers recommend Ericaceous compost for these lilies.
They prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade throughout the day. 6-8 hours of direct sunshine is best.
Maintenance: Mulch well with leafy compost to ensure the roots stay cool.
Add a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks from early spring until after flowering so that they can store up some energy for next spring..
Water well when coming into flower, allow to die right away before cutting back.
Lift and divide every 4-5 years.
N.B. they do not like warm winters e.g. zones 9 and 10, so lift and refrigerate during late autumn and winter
Diseases: Aphids, slugs, and snails can be a problem.
Grey mould can be an issue in damp conditions - so give them plenty of room for air to flow around.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic and will cause gastric problems. Even the water in the vase will cause stomache upsets if consumed.
They are especially toxic for cats which will develop kidney damage if they ingest any part of the Lilium plant.
Other Species: 100 species in the Lilium genus.
Comments: They are best cut when buds are still closed but clear petal colour is visible. Then trim off the stem end with a sharp knife with a diagonal cut and place immediately in water. Change the water every few days and add a small amount of cut flower food - your display will then last for up to two weeks.
Author: Bob Saunders.