Care of the bulbous plant Lilium bulbiferum or Orange lily |
The genus Lilium, family Liliaceae, includes more than 100 species of bulbous plants native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Some species are: Lilium bulbiferum, Lilium speciosum, Lilium orientalis, Lilium auratum, Lilium superbum, Lilium regale, Lilium henryi, Lilium martagon. Common names: Orange lily, Tiger lily, Fire lily. This species is native to Europe. They are bulbous plants with scaly ovoid bulbs and erect stems that reach 90 cm (2.95 feet) in height. The leaves are lanceolate and bright green. The very showy flowers appear at the end of the stem and have 6 orange petals. They bloom from mid-spring to mid-summer. Orange lily is used in borders, in flowerbeds and in pots for patios, terraces and balconies. Cut flowers are used to create floral decorations and bouquets. Lilium bulbiferum needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. It resists occasional frosts if the bulbs are protected with straw or pine bark; in regions of intense frost, dig up the bulbs. The soil can be a light garden soil that contains abundant organic matter. The planting is done in autumn so that they bloom in spring. Plant at a depth of 2.5 times the size of the bulb and at a distance of 20 cm (7.87") between each plant. Water regularly to keep the substrate slightly damp; puddling can rot the bulb. Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer from early spring until flowering. Prune the stems after flowering and leave the bulbs buried. Lilium bulbiferum is a quite resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases that is sometimes attacked by viruses. Fire lily is propagated by separating the bulblets produced by the mother plant; new plants can take 3 years to flower. Propagation from seed is a very slow process. |
Images of the bulbous plant Lilium bulbiferum or Orange lily |