How to Grow and Care for Orange Lily (Lilium bulbiferum)

Orange lily is a tall, fast-growing lily species that is native to many parts of Europe including France and Italy. It is often in mountainous areas. The species was named after the bulbils (small clones) that the plant produces on its stem to multiply.

This is one of the earliest lilies to bloom in the summer. The showy bright orange flowers are trumpet-shaped and attract bees. Unlike other lilies, the flowers are facing upward, which makes the orange lily an excellent cut flower.

The best time to plant an orange lily is in the fall. Lilies are toxic to cats.

Orange Lily Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing an orange lily:

• Plant the bulbs in the fall in a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
• Water the plants only in dry weather.
• Fertilize with a low-nitrogen fertilizer once in the spring.
• Mulch the plants before winter.
• Remove the dead foliage after the summer bloom.

Light

Orange lily grows in full sun to partial shade.

Soil

The plant is not fussy about soil but excellent drainage is a must. Humus-rich, loamy, evenly moist soil is ideal.

Water

Orange lily has average watering needs. Water in the absence of rain and when the soil feel dry but be careful not to overwater, as wet soil causes rotting of the bulbs.

Fertilizer

Feed orange lilies a slow-release low-nitrogen fertilizer once in the spring as the new growth starts.

Types of Orange Lily

There are two known varieties of orange lily:

• Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum, sometimes listed as L. croceum: ithe most commonly cultivated form of the orange lily; this sub-species usually does not produce bulbils
• Lilium bulbiferum var. chaixii: a dwarf form of orange lily that reaches only 16 inches in height; native to the Alpes-Maritimes in southeast France

Pruning

After the bloom, wait until the foliage has turned yellow and died back before cutting back the leaves and flower stems.

Propagating Orange Lily

Orange lily is propagated by division or from stem bulbils. Note that the most common variety, Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum, does not produce stem bulbils.

1. Gather bulbils in late summer as they begin to fall off the stems.
2. Alternatively, in the fall when the plants have entered dormancy, dig up the bulbs of mature lilies and gently separate them into individual bulbs.
3. Plant the bulbils or bulbs immediately at the same depth as the original lilies, in groups of 3 bulbs spaced 8 inches apart.

Potting and Repotting Orange Lily

Orange lilies are suitable to be grown incontainers. Use a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep with large drainage holes. Unglazed clay is an ideal material, as it has some weight so the pot won’t topple over easily (orange lilies are tall) and allows excess soil moisture to evaporate.

Keep in mind that container plants need more frequent watering than lilies that are planted in the landscape.

Repot the lilies to a larger container filled with fresh potting mix or divide them when the bulbs have filled the container.

Overwintering

If you live at the lower end of the lily’s hardiness range, add a layer of mulch around the plants for winter to insulate the bulbs. Potted plants need to be winterized by burying the container in the ground or placing it inside an insulating silo.

Common Pests

In early spring, keep an eye out for snails and slugs. Set up bait traps to prevent them from eating new shoots from which the flowers emerge.

Like all lilies, orange lily attracts aphids that can transmit viral diseases. Wash aphids off with a hose before they turn into infestation.

How to Get Orange Lily to Bloom

Bloom Months

Orange lilies typically bloom between May and July. Deadheading the flowers won’t extend the bloom time. If grown in suitable conditions, these perennials rebloom every year.

What Do Orange Lily Flowers Look and Smell Like?

The trumpet-shaped flowers are 2 to 3 inches wide and bright orange with reddish-brown raised freckles. Unlike other lilies, the flowers are upward-facing. They don’t have a particular fragrance.

From: thespruce