Consulta Plantas

Care of the bulbous plant Lilium orientalis or Oriental 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 orientalis, Lilium bulbiferum, Lilium speciosum, Lilium auratum, Lilium superbum, Lilium regale, Lilium henryi, Lilium martagon.

Common name: Oriental Lily. This species is native to Korea and Japan.

They are bulbous plants with erect stems and scaly, egg-shaped bulbs; they reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves are lanceolate and deep green in color. The large, scented flowers are up to 12 inches in diameter and can be white, pink, or multi-colored. They bloom in summer and early fall.

They are used in borders, in flowerbeds, in pots for patios, terraces and balconies and as cut flowers.

The Lilium orientalis prefers a well-lit exposure but without direct sun in the central hours of the day. They resist occasional frosts down to -3 ºC (26.6 ºF); in regions with intense frosts, the bulbs must be dug up.

The soil can be normal garden soil with some coarse sand and plenty of organic matter. Planting is done at the end of winter. Plant at a depth of 20 cm (7.87") and at a distance of 30 cm between each plant.

Water regularly to keep the substrate slightly damp (2-3 times a week in summer); puddling can rot the bulb. They do not resist drought.

Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer for bulbous plants in spring and summer.

Prune the stems after flowering and leave the bulbs buried.

They can be attacked by aphids if they suffer drought and by fungi if there is excess watering.

They are propagated by separating bulblets in late winter or early spring.

Images of the bulbous plant Lilium orientalis or Oriental Lily