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.
Lilium Oriental ‘Sorbonne’ adapts well to various climates, including regions of Australia with mild summers and cold winters, provided they receive proper care. It’s essential to plant Oriental lilies promptly after delivery, ideally from winter to spring, to prevent the bulbs from drying out, as they do not enter a dormant cycle like other bulbs. This timing allows the bulbs to establish roots and settle into the soil before challenging weather conditions arrive. Choose a location with full sunlight to partial shade and well-drained soil to ensure optimal growth. Lilies thrive when planted in clusters, benefiting from companionship and mutual support. Plant bulbs approximately 15-20 cm deep and space them 20-30 cm apart to allow their tall, elegant stems ample room to develop fully. This thoughtful approach ensures the bulbs have enough time to mature, resulting in a stunning display of large, fragrant blooms in mid to late summer. Careful planning will reward your garden with the vibrant colours and delightful fragrance of ‘Sorbonne’ lilies at their peak bloom.
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 ‘Sorbonne’ 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, minimizing 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, pink blooms throughout the summer.
Supplied as a pack of four dormant bulbs.