Lilium, oriental lilies
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Perennials

Lilium

oriental lilies

Liliaceae

Hybrid origin; parent species native to Japan

At a Glance

TypeBulb
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height24-60 inches (60-150 cm)
Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Fragrant (strong)
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Oriental lily hybrids (Division VII) are derived primarily from crosses involving Japanese species Lilium auratum, L. speciosum, L. japonicum, and L. rubellum. Plants grow from large, scaly bulbs producing erect stems 24–60 inches (60–150 cm) tall with lance-shaped to broadly elliptic leaves spirally arranged along the stem. In mid to late summer, stems bear 4–12 large, outward-facing to reflexed flowers 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) across with broad, often wavy or ruffled tepals in white, pink, crimson, and bicolors, typically with prominent spotting, papillae (raised bumps), and a central stripe or signal. The fragrance is the most intense of all lily groups — heavy, spicy, and pervasive. Oriental lilies are less heat-tolerant than Asiatic or Orienpet hybrids and perform best with afternoon shade in climates with hot summers. They require strongly acidic, well-drained soil and are hardy in zones 4–9. Classic cultivars include 'Stargazer', 'Casa Blanca', 'Dizzy', and 'Mona Lisa'. All parts are extremely toxic to cats — even small exposures cause acute kidney failure.

Native Range

Oriental lily hybrids are of garden origin. The parent species — primarily L. auratum, L. speciosum, L. japonicum, and L. rubellum — are native to Japan, growing in mountain meadows, forest margins, and rocky slopes in acidic, well-drained soils.

Suggested Uses

Planted in perennial borders (mid to back), cutting gardens, and large containers at 12–18 inch (30–45 cm) spacing. Site where evening fragrance can be enjoyed — near patios, seating areas, and pathways. Partner with summer-blooming shrubs and low perennials that will fill in as lily foliage yellows. Among the finest cut flowers available — vase life 7–14 days; remove stamens to prevent pollen staining fabric.

How to Identify

Identified by large, outward-facing to reflexed flowers 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) across with broad wavy tepals in white, pink, or crimson, often with prominent spotting and papillae (raised surface texture), and intense, heavy fragrance. Blooms July–August, later than Asiatic lilies. Leaves are wider and more elliptic than Asiatic or Orienpet types. The heavy fragrance, reflexed or wavy petal margins, and raised papillae texture are together diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

white
pink
crimson
red

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks
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SummerFall
Blooms July through September in zones 4–9, peaking in August — the latest of the major lily groups. Individual stems bloom over 2–4 weeks. In the Pacific Northwest (zones 7–9), plants perform reliably; in zones 8–9 with hot summers, partial afternoon shade significantly improves performance and prolongs flower life. Fragrance is strongest in the evening.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, pink, crimson; typically spotted with papillae and central stripe

Foliage Description

medium to dark green, lance-shaped to broadly elliptic, spirally arranged

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandpeat
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant bulbs in fall or spring 6 inches (15 cm) deep and 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart in full sun to partial afternoon shade in well-drained, fertile, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Oriental lilies require more acidic conditions than other lily groups — alkaline soils cause yellowing and decline. Mulch heavily to keep the root zone cool and moist. Water consistently during growth; reduce after foliage yellows. Apply an acid-forming fertilizer as shoots emerge. Stake tall cultivars. All parts are highly toxic to cats — lethal in small quantities.

Pruning

Deadhead individual spent flowers and remove seed capsules as they form to conserve bulb energy. Leave the full stem and foliage to die back naturally — premature removal depletes the bulb and reduces next-year's bloom. Cut to ground level only after stems have fully yellowed. Divide congested clumps every 4–5 years in early fall. When dividing, handle bulb scales gently as they are prone to bruising.

Pruning Schedule

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fall

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets