Oriental Lilies

Usually the last lilies to bloom, Oriental hybrid Lilies are derived from the crossing of interspecific hybrids and species Lilies such as Lilium auratum, Lilium japonicum, Lilium nobilissimum, Lilium × parkmanii, Lilium rubellum and Lilium speciosum (but excluding all hybrids of these with henryi). The most famous representative of the Oriental hybrid Lilies is the flat-faced ‘Stargazer’, which is probably the most successful cut flower ever, being upward-facing, strongly fragrant, and long-lasting.

• Known as the most flamboyant personalities within the world of lilies, Oriental Hybrid Lilies are characterized by their immense flowers, intense fragrance, and rich colors.
• Blooming over a long period, from mid to late summer and even into fall for some varieties, their flowers are usually large and open, outward facing, or pendant with striking patterns of spots. Most Oriental Lilies are in shades of white, pink, and red, some with pretty yellow bands on their petals.
• Intensely scented, from the first blossom opening until the last petal falls, they all are among florists’ most popular cut flowers.
• Oriental Lilies are frightened of alkalinity as it kills them. If your soil is alkaline, you should grow these wonderful lilies in pots or containers.