The Lionheart Lily is a popular garden addition, known for its distinctive coloration. Its blooms feature a deep crimson or nearly black center that transitions to golden-yellow tips, creating a striking visual.
Understanding Lionheart Lily
The Lionheart Lily (Lilium ‘Lionheart’) is an Asiatic Hybrid Lily. This bulbous perennial typically reaches 3 to 4 feet tall, though it can grow taller under ideal conditions. Its large, upward-facing flowers, 4 to 6 inches wide, have an almost black center with lemon-yellow petal tips. Blooms appear in early to mid-summer. ‘Lionheart’ is cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 10.
Planting Lionheart Lily
Lionheart Lilies prefer full sun to partial shade. Placing them where their “head is in the sun, and feet are in the shade” helps keep their roots cool. The soil should be well-drained and enriched with organic matter, such as leaf mold or well-rotted compost. These lilies thrive in a soil pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 6.5.
Prepare the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches. Plant each bulb at a depth three times its height, generally 4 to 6 inches deep. Plant bulbs in groups of three to five, spacing them 8 to 12 inches apart. Place bulbs with the pointy end facing upwards, then cover with soil and water thoroughly to settle the earth.
Ongoing Care for Lionheart Lily
Light
Lionheart Lilies require full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. While they can tolerate partial shade, sufficient sunlight promotes good blooming. To keep the soil around their roots cool, mulch or plant lower-growing plants nearby to provide ground shade.
Soil and Water
Lionheart Lilies require consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Proper drainage is important to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to bulb rot. During periods of active growth and dry spells, provide 1 to 2 inches of water per week, ensuring the soil is thoroughly moistened. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Fertilize Lionheart Lilies to support growth and flowering. Apply a balanced liquid feed in early spring as new growth emerges. After the blooming period, a low-nitrogen fertilizer supports bulb development for the following season.
Deadheading and Support
Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to strengthening the bulb for future blooms. Snap or snip off faded flowers just above a set of healthy leaves, leaving as much of the main stem and foliage intact as possible. Taller plants or those with numerous heavy blooms benefit from staking to prevent flopping. Use soft ties in a figure-eight pattern to secure stems to stakes, providing support without damage.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Lionheart Lilies may encounter common garden pests like aphids, lily beetles, and slugs. Aphids are often dislodged with a strong spray of water; slugs may require hand removal. Neem-based sprays also offer pest management.
Fungal diseases like botrytis blight and basal rot, along with viruses, can affect these lilies. Botrytis blight appears as brown spots on leaves and may cause deformed buds, especially in wet or humid conditions. Basal rot, often due to poorly drained soil, causes leaves to yellow and stunts growth.
Good air circulation and appropriate watering help prevent fungal issues. Remove infected plant parts promptly, and disinfect tools to prevent spread. While there is no cure for viral infections, proper care minimizes their impact.
Propagating Lionheart Lily
Propagate Lionheart Lilies by bulb division, separating offsets that form around the main bulb. This is done every three to four years after the foliage has naturally died down.
Scaling is another propagation method. Carefully remove outer scales from the lily bulb in late summer or early fall. Place scales in a moist medium like damp vermiculite or peat moss within a sealed bag.
After 8 to 10 weeks in a warm, dark environment, tiny bulblets form at the base of the scales. These bulblets require a period of cold dormancy, three months of refrigeration, before planting.
Winter Care for Lionheart Lily
Prepare Lionheart Lilies for colder months. Once foliage has naturally died back and stems have turned hollow and brown, cut them down. Avoid cutting green foliage, as the plant uses these leaves to store energy in the bulb for the following year’s growth.
Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw, pine needles, or leaves, over the planting area for insulation during winter. This mulching protects the bulbs from extreme temperature fluctuations. For container-grown lilies, especially in very cold climates, move pots to a frost-free area or lift and store bulbs indoors. Asiatic lilies are hardy and typically remain in the ground in their recommended zones.