Lilium 'Casa Blanca'
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ORIENTAL LILY
Family: Liliaceae
Pronounced: LEE-lee-um
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Bulbs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All (maritime PNW zones).
USDA zones: 4-8.
Mature size:
Height: 3-4 feet (1 m).
Flowering period:
August.
Flowering attributes:
Pure white petals on a bowl shaped flower, with a sweet scent.
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
When I think about moonlight gardens, this lily comes to mind. In the moonlit setting, the outfacing flower of Lilium 'Casa Blanca' glows in the light. The scent alone is reason enough to find a special place in your garden so you can enjoy its sweet fragrance.
The oriental lily, L. ‘Casa Blanca’, is widely used as a forced bulb and is a popular choice for wedding floral arrangements. Regarded by some in the trade as the best white L. auratum hybrid, I believe it is one of many outstanding lilies to come out of New Zealand.
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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