Lilium 'Alchemy'

ORIENPET LILY
Family: Liliaceae
Pronounced: LEE-lee-um

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Bulbs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All.
USDA zones: 4-8.
Mature size:
Height: 3 feet (1 m).
Flowering period:
June-July.
Flowering attributes:
Large, downward-facing, fragrant, gold flower with rust hued bars down the center of each petal.
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

 

 

The Oriental-trumpet hybrids, often referred to as orienpets or OT hybrids, have added a lot of excitement to the lily world—increasing the Oriental lily colors to include yellow and gold, while keeping the fragrance, breeders of orienpets brought us to the aptly named 'Alchemy'. This cultivar is a large downward-facing hybrid with a sunny disposition and delightful, sweet fragrance. The deep rust-red bar down the center of each petal is a stand out on these large, 8-inch blossoms.

Pick flowers when the first blossom opens. The flower lasts from 5-9 days in a vase. Pull the pollen sacks off when the flower opens to keep pollen from staining linens beneath. If pollen should get on clothes or linens, let it dry before wiping it off. If wiped when wet, the pollen stains.

Mulch your lilies with composted manures, compost, or shredded bark, which keeps the roots cool, and adds additional humus to the soil.

 

More Lilies.

Photographed in author's garden.