Lilium 'Muscadet'

ORIENTAL 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: 3-8.
Mature size:
Height: 2-3 feet (1 m).
Flowering period:
July.
Flowering attributes:
Large, fragrant, pure white with pink spots and a soft pink down the center of each petal. Stamens are red.
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

Lilium 'Muscadet' is another Oriental lily with a powerful sweet fragrance. Plant this and when it blooms it fills the entire garden with its scent. Its larger than normal flowers are splendid as a cut flower, and it's fast becoming a popular lily to grow.

The photos were taken in October of 2004 when they were in full bloom. This is not its normal flowering time. I purchased the bulbs late in spring from a mail order house and received them in late May. I planted them the first week in June and because they were planted so late, their flowering was delayed until autumn. It was a treat to pick these in early October and have a fragrant lily from the garden, in a vase, in the house. I may repeat ordering late again for some late lily flowers for the cutting garden.

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:

More Liliums.

Photographed in author's garden.