Orange lilies bring a burst of vivid color to any garden landscape. Their striking appearance and varied forms make them a favored choice for gardeners. These captivating flowers offer a spectrum of orange tones, from soft apricots to deep, intense vermilions, ensuring a vibrant display. Their presence can significantly enhance garden beds, borders, and containers.
Major Lily Divisions Featuring Orange Varieties
Lilies are categorized into divisions based on genetic origins and growth characteristics. Several divisions feature orange varieties, showcasing the diversity within Lilium.
Asiatic Hybrids are widely recognized for their upright, often upward-facing flowers and a remarkable range of vibrant colors, including numerous shades of orange. These lilies are among the earliest to bloom, often in early to mid-summer, and are known for their hardiness.
Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids contribute significantly to the orange lily palette, characterized by their large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are often fragrant. Many orange varieties within this division display impressive stature. They generally bloom from mid to late summer. Oriental Hybrids, while often white, pink, or red, occasionally offer orange-toned cultivars, often featuring large, fragrant, outward-facing blooms that appear in late summer.
Martagon Hybrids present another unique option with their distinctive, downward-facing, recurved petals that resemble a turban. While orange is less common in this group, some cultivars exhibit lovely spotted orange patterns. These lilies are known for their longevity and ability to thrive in partial shade, blooming in early to mid-summer. Interdivisional Hybrids combine characteristics from two or more divisions, expanding the possibilities for orange-flowered lilies.
Popular Orange Lily Cultivars
Many orange lily cultivars offer diverse options for gardeners.
‘Enchantment’
This popular Asiatic Hybrid has intense, bright orange, upward-facing flowers with dark spots. It typically grows 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall and blooms profusely in early summer. Its robust nature makes it a garden favorite.
‘Connecticut King’
Another prominent Asiatic Hybrid, ‘Connecticut King’ showcases brilliant, unspotted, pure orange, outward-facing flowers. It generally reaches 2.5-3.5 feet (75-105 cm) tall, providing a vibrant display in early to mid-summer. Its strong stems ensure it stands out.
‘Tango’ Series
The ‘Tango’ series features unique bi-colored flowers with orange petals heavily speckled and brushed with dark maroon or black centers. They typically grow 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall and bloom in mid-summer.
‘Forever Susan’
‘Forever Susan’ is an Asiatic Hybrid with deep orange petals and a contrasting dark burgundy or black center. It grows 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall, offering its distinctive blooms in mid-summer, drawing attention in garden beds.
‘Orange Pixie’
‘Orange Pixie’ is a dwarf Asiatic lily, growing 1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm) tall, suitable for containers or front borders. It produces an abundance of vibrant orange, upward-facing flowers in early summer.
Caring for Orange Lilies
Caring for orange lilies begins with selecting a planting site that receives ample sunlight. Most lily varieties thrive in full sun (at least six hours daily), though some tolerate partial shade in hotter climates. Well-draining soil is also essential, as lilies are susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions.
Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost or aged bark improves drainage and aeration. During active growth, from spring through flowering, lilies require consistent moisture. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains moist but not saturated. Reducing watering after flowering prevents bulb rot during dormancy.
Apply a balanced granular fertilizer in early spring as new shoots emerge. A lighter application after flowering can help bulbs store energy for the next season. Space bulbs 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) apart for good air circulation, which helps deter fungal diseases. Monitor for common pests like lily beetles and aphids, addressing them promptly to ensure the health and vibrancy of your orange lilies.