The Viva la Vida Lily is a popular garden plant known for its vibrant display. Its striking appearance and relatively straightforward care appeal to both experienced and novice gardeners.
Distinctive Features
The Viva la Vida Lily features large, trumpet-shaped blooms, typically 7 to 8 inches wide, with gracefully reflexed petals. These flowers showcase a striking color combination: sunny yellow petals streaked and spotted with deep burgundy or rich red flames.
As a hybrid, ‘Viva la Vida’ combines the hardiness of Asiatic varieties with the larger flower size and subtle fragrance of Oriental lilies. It blooms from early to mid-summer (June to July). The plant typically reaches 3 to 4 feet tall, and its blossoms attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Planting and Ideal Growing Conditions
Proper planting is key for Viva la Vida Lilies, typically done in spring after frost danger, though autumn planting is also an option. Select a location with full sun to partial shade. Lilies thrive with ample light but can struggle with intense, direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Well-drained, fertile soil is preferred, though Viva la Vida Lilies tolerate acidic, clay, loamy, and sandy conditions. Good drainage prevents waterlogging, which harms bulbs. Plant bulbs about 6 inches deep and 6 to 12 inches apart. Grouping three or more bulbs creates a more impactful visual display.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
After planting, water consistently, especially during active growth, to keep soil evenly moist without over-saturating. Deep watering once a week is often more effective than frequent shallow watering, particularly during dry spells.
Fertilize once a year, or monthly during active growth, with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage over flowers and may increase disease susceptibility. Deadhead spent flower stalks just above a set of leaves to direct energy into bulb development rather than seed production. Allow foliage to remain until it naturally yellows and dies back in fall, as these leaves provide nutrients to the bulb for next season’s blooms.
The sturdy stems of the Viva la Vida Lily often eliminate the need for staking, though taller plants in exposed locations might benefit from some support. In USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, these lilies are generally hardy and can remain in the ground over winter. For winter protection, apply a layer of mulch over the planting area to insulate bulbs; remove this mulch in early spring for new growth. Container-grown lilies should be moved to a cool, frost-free location for winter protection.
Addressing Common Problems
Despite their general hardiness, Viva la Vida Lilies can encounter a few common issues. Pests include the lily beetle, bright red insects known for rapidly defoliating plants, and aphids, tiny sap-sucking insects that weaken plants and transmit viral diseases. Slugs and snails may damage new shoots, while vine weevil larvae can feed on lily roots and bulbs.
Fungal diseases like botrytis blight (gray mold) appear as brown spots on leaves and thrive in humid conditions, potentially leading to leaf decay. Fusarium basal rot is a soil-borne disease that causes bulbs to rot from within, often evidenced by yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Viral diseases cause leaf discoloration and distorted growth, and unfortunately, have no cure.
To manage these problems, hand-pick lily beetles and their larvae, or apply insecticidal soap for aphids. For botrytis blight, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant debris. To prevent basal rot and viral diseases, purchase healthy, disease-free bulbs and maintain good garden hygiene by promptly removing and destroying any infected plants. Proper drainage also helps mitigate soil-borne fungal issues.