Orange Lily (Lilium bulbiferum): A Comprehensive Guide to Cultivation and Care
Botanical Description
Orange lily, also known as Fire Lily, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Liliaceae family. This geophyte, native to Europe, boasts showy trumpet-shaped blooms in a vibrant orange hue. Its leaves are simple and broad, supporting a self-supporting growth form. The most distinctive feature of this species is the formation of bulbils on its stems.
Cultivation Requirements
Light:
Orange lilies thrive in dappled sun or light summer shade. For optimal growth, plant bulbs along the sunny edge of a woodland garden, positioning their roots in the shade and their heads in the sun.
Soil:
These adaptable plants prefer well-drained loamy soil rich in humus. However, they can also tolerate normal garden soil and adapt to sandy, clay, or calcareous soils.
Water:
Orange lilies have moderate watering needs. Water thoroughly about one inch per week during growth, but only if the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as wet soil can rot lily bulbs. Excess water on foliage and flowers can also cause mildew or mold.
Fertilizer:
Feed orange lilies with a low-nitrogen blooming fertilizer, such as 5-10-10 or 7-9-5. This will promote flower development rather than excessive leaf growth. Spread the fertilizer over the roots in spring, scratching it into the soil and watering well.
Pruning:
After blooming concludes in fall, prune old leaves to maintain plant health.
Propagation:
Orange lilies can be propagated through several methods:
- Bulbils: Gather bulbils as they begin to detach from the stems in late summer and pot them in a greenhouse until they mature sufficiently for outdoor transplantation.
- Division: Divide young bulbs in autumn when plants are dormant. Place 2-3 bulbs in one pot prior to transplanting or plant them directly in the ground.
- Scales: Remove bulb scales from mature bulbs and store them in a warm, dark place in a bag of moist peat. They will gradually produce bulbets.
Growing from Seed
Opinions vary on whether orange lilies can be grown from seed. While some sources claim successful germination within 30-40 days, others advise against it. If you wish to attempt it, sow seeds when ripe in a cold frame for spring germination. Alternatively, seeds can be stored in a warm/cold/warm stratification cycle for approximately 2 months each. Grow seeds in cool, shady conditions and sow thinly in a fertile medium.
Common Pests and Diseases
Orange lilies are susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:
- Slugs: Protect plants from slugs in early spring, as they may consume shoot tips and hinder growth.
- Aphids: These tiny insects can infest orange lilies and feed on their sap.
FAQs
- How long does it take for orange lily seeds to grow?
Germination time can vary. Some sources indicate 30-40 days, while others suggest that seeds may not germinate at all.
- How many blooms does an orange lily plant produce?
One mature bulb can produce a plant with 6-7 blossoms.
- What is the difference between orange lily (Lilium bulbiferum) and tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium, Lilium tigrinum)?
Orange lily is a European wildflower, while tiger lily is native to China and Japan. Orange lily blooms in solid orange, while tiger lily has orange petals with black or deep crimson spots. Both species are relatively easy to grow.
Additional Tips
- Orange lily (Lilium bulbiferum) is its own cultivar. It is also known by the synonyms Lilium bulbiferum var. giganteum, Lilium bulbiferum var. chaixii, Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum, or simply L. croceum. The subspecies L. bulbiferum croceum generally does not produce bulbils.
