Lilium 'Dizzy'

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

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Bulbs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All.
USDA zones: 5-9.
Mature size:
Height: 3-4 feet (1 m).
Flowering period:
July-August.
Flowering attributes:
White open-faced flowers with crimson spots, chocolate colored nectary furrows and crimson bands.
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

If you've been around the pages of Rainy Side Gardeners often enough, you know that I talk about the importance of gardening for wildlife; however, when it came to this lily, I was selfish, and didn't think beyond myself. Although hummingbirds and butterflies find the flowers enticing, when I planted these lily bulbs, I was thinking only about the intoxicating fragrance. That's what makes this lily worth keeping. In addition, the flowers are outstanding.

This cultivar looks similar to the hard to propagate and more expensive Lilium 'Midnight Star', whose flowers are a little larger then 'Dizzy's'.

As with most oriental lilies, 'Dizzy' is an excellent choice for cut flowers. Harvest flowers when the first blossom opens. The flowers last 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.

I grew 'Dizzy' in a container the first two years, and then transplanted them into the garden. They grew and flowered well, even while confined to a pot. This lily may not literally stop you in your tracks, but it may make you dizzy with delight!

Article: Oriental Lilies for the Summer Garden:

More Liliums.

Photographed in author's garden.