Lilium 'Aruba'
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ORIENTAL LILY
Family: Liliaceae
Pronounced: LEE-lee-um
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Bulbs.
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Mature size: Height: 5 feet (152 cm).
Flowering period: July.
Flowering attributes: White petals edged with pink. The whole petal fades to a soft pink as it ages.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Humus rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding: In spring, when lilies are at the spear stage of growth (like asparagus), fertilize with a complete organic fertilizer. Do not feed again for the rest of the year; excessive fertilizing can promote disease and soft growth.
Propagation Methods: As soon as the foliage dies back, dig bulbs and remove scales, bulbils and offsets from bulb; immediately replant.
Pruning Methods: Remove dried stems only after foliage dies back.
Rainy Side Notes
At one point Lilium ‘Aruba’ was my favorite oriental lily. Alas, another lily took its place as my favored one, but I still grow this beauty with a remarkable fragrance. Three of these plants in bloom fill the garden with a heavenly aroma. Plant next to an outdoor room and when they are flowering, invite your guests to join you in relaxing in the garden. They will swoon over the scent. When they begin to relax, you can whisper to them, this is first-class aromatherapy.
Cut flowers when the first flower is first opening. The flower lasts from 5-9 days in the vase. Pull the pollen sacks off when the flower opens to keep pollen from staining linens beneath the vase. If pollen should get on clothes or linens, let it dry before wiping it off. If wiped when wet, the pollen will stain.
To grow lilies well, mulch with composted manures or compost and shredded bark to keep the roots cool while adding humus to the soil.
Article: Oriental Lilies for the Summer Garden
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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