Lilium Citronella (Asiatic Lily)

One of the most suitable lilies for naturalizing, Lilium ‘Citronella’ is a vigorous Asiatic Lily with charming, showy, golden flowers with speckled, gracefully recurved petals. Unlike most Asiatic lilies, its amazingly decorative flowers do not face up toward the sun but are pendant. Prolific, mature bulbs can produce up to 20 blossoms per stem and will multiply to form clumps over the years.

One of the most suitable lilies for naturalizing, Lilium 'Citronella' is a vigorous Asiatic Lily with charming, showy, golden flowers with speckled, gracefully recurved petals. Unlike most Asiatic lilies, its amazingly decorative flowers do not face up toward the sun but are pendant. Prolific, mature bulbs can produce up to 20 blossoms per stem and will multiply to form clumps over the years.

  • Blooming in early to mid-summer, this Lily constitutes an excellent border plant, providing striking color and contrast to the perennial border and mixes beautifully with annuals and other summer flowering bulbs. Plant in groups of 3, 6, or 12 bulbs for a striking display! Well suited to containers too.
  • Growing up to 3-5 feet tall (90-150 cm) on slender stems clad with linear, dark green leaves, it performs best in full sun or part shade and is not fussy about soils, provided they are well-drained. Good moisture is required and dry soils should be avoided!
  • When flowering is over, cut back leaves and stems after they turn yellow.
  • Plant in fall or early spring in the garden. Potted plants may be planted at any time between spring and fall.
  • Toxic to cats (though not for dogs or any known species).
  • This Lily is a member of the Asiatic Hybrids Division (I) which includes lilies with small to medium-sized flowers, usually bowl-shaped, flat, or with recurved tepals and with an open center. The flower color is generally uniform or with contrasting tepal tips and/or throat. Spots are often absent. The flowers have little or no scent and their leaves are scattered with a narrow to medium width. There are 9 different types of lilies classified by the Royal Horticultural Society. And they are all real eye-catchers!

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Lilium – Lilies
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 3'
– 5'
(90cm
– 150cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
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
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage