Lilium 'Tom Pouce'

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: 4-9.
Mature size:
Height: 36 inches (1 m).
Flowering period:
July.
Flowering attributes:
Large, upward-facing, fragrant, pink flower with yellow bars down the center of each freckled petal.
Light:
Full sun to light shade.
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

Dessert anyone? Named after a Dutch dessert, this lily's beautiful petals and yummy fragrance is tantalizing. However, you don't want to eat it; just let your eyes feast on the freckled petals and your nose breathe in its beguiling fragrance. Expect variations on the flower color; some years the color will be intense, while other year's flowers are in subtle pastel shades.

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, and add additional humus to the soil.

Article: Oriental Lilies for the Summer Garden

More Liliums.

Photographed in author's garden.