Description
Oriental Lilies are tall, stunning, and highly fragrant, making them essential for a summer garden brimming with colour. Their flowers come in shades of pink, white, pure white, gold and white, and crimson, typically producing five to six large blooms per stem with an intense sweet fragrance.
Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and maintain a consistent soil temperature. Fertilise with a balanced fertiliser in early spring and again after flowering to support healthy growth and abundant blooms. As oriental lilies can grow tall, consider staking to support their stems and prevent damage from wind. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and remove seed pods, which can divert energy from flower production.
Wait until the foliage of the plants has completely died off before pruning them down to ground level; pruning earlier may hinder bulb development. If you intend to let the bulbs naturalise, they can remain in the ground for several years without needing to be transplanted. However, if you decide to lift and separate the bulbs, it’s best to do this in autumn and replant them promptly. Liliums are sensitive to being moved and prefer well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging.
Dividing Lilium Orientals is beneficial for maintaining their vigour and ensuring optimal blooming, although it is not strictly necessary. The ideal time to divide these bulbs is in late autumn after the foliage has naturally withered away. This timing allows the bulbs to enter dormancy, storing nutrients for the next growing season. Dividing them too early can disrupt this natural cycle. It’s recommended to divide Lilium Orientals every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding, which can reduce flowering and increase the risk of diseases. Given their preference for stability, minimising disturbance is crucial for their long-term health. Dividing during dormancy promotes healthy growth and abundant blooms in subsequent years, ensuring your Lilium Orientals thrive in the garden.
With proper care, these lilies will reward you with spectacular displays of fragrant, bright blooms throughout the summer.
Supplied as a pack of four dormant bulbs.