Lilium Robert Swanson (Orienpet Lily)

Lilium ‘Robert Swanson’ is a striking Orienpet Lily with large, red flame blossoms, up to 7 in. wide (17 cm), with gently recurved tepals tipped in buttery yellow and contrasting with the very light green stigma.

Lilium 'Robert Swanson' is a striking Orienpet Lily with large, red flame blossoms, up to 7 in. wide (17 cm), with gently recurved tepals tipped in buttery yellow and contrasting with the very light green stigma. The petals are impressively widespread to make the most of their colors. Long-lasting, the magnificent flowers, up to 40 per bulb (!) exude a slight but pleasing fragrance.

  • Blooming in mid-late 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. 
  • Growing up to 4-5 feet tall (120-150 cm), it performs best in full sun or part shade and enjoys fairly fertile, acidic, well-drained soils. Good moisture is required and dry soils should be avoided!
  • Reliable, easy to grow, beloved by bees and butterflies,
  • Plant in spring or fall. Plant in groups of 3 bulbs at a minimum for a striking display! When flowering is over, cut back leaves and stems after they turn yellow.
  • Toxic to cats (though not for dogs or any known species)
  • This Lily is a member of the Other Hybrids Division (VIII) which includes all interdivisional hybrids, such as Longiflorum/Asiatic (LA) hybrids, Longiflorum/Oriental (LO) hybrids, Oriental/Asiatic (OA) hybrids and Oriental/Trumpet hybrids (Orienpets or OT hybrids). There are 9 different types of lilies classified by the Royal Horticultural Society. And they are all real eye-catchers!
  • Adored by gardeners, Orienpet Lilies are outstanding garden plants. They are a real breakthrough in the history of Lily breeding. They enjoy better disease-resistance and increased reliability. They are also more drought, cold and heat tolerant than their parents.
  • Blooming towards the end of the lily season, Orienpet Lilies are perfect additions to the late summer garden. Their fresh and impressive blooms are welcomed by gardeners since many other plants have started to fade.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

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
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Lilium – Lilies
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Height 4'
– 5'
(120cm
– 150cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 10″ (25cm)
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, Fragrant, Showy
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage