Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum (Orange Lily)
This wild Lily makes a first-rate garden plant and can be easily grown without too much fuss.
Hardy and undemanding, Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum (Orange Lily) is one of the most beautiful Lily species with its flamboyant, wide open, brilliant orange flowers, up to 2-3 in. wide (5-8 cm), that deepen to red toward the petal tips. The blossoms are elegantly spotted with dark chocolate raised freckles. Unlike most Lily species which favor pendant blossoms to protect their pollen supplies, Lilium bulbiferum features upward-facing flowers, seeking to attract passing insects to help with pollination. Native to Southern Europe, this strong, exuberant and fast-growing Lily is one of the earliest Lilies to bloom in the garden. Mature bulbs usually produce up to 6-7 blossoms, but it has been recorded as several times as many.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 7 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Lilium – Lilies |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early) |
| Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spread | 7" – 8" (17cm – 20cm) |
| Spacing | 8″ (20cm) |
| Depth | 8" (20cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer |
| Attracts | Bees |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |