The genus Lilium encompasses true lilies, renowned for their towering presence and striking, often fragrant, blooms. Originating primarily from temperate regions across the Northern Hemisphere, these plants have a rich horticultural history. Orange varieties provide a burst of bright, fiery color in the landscape, symbolizing passion and energy. These flowers feature six petals, known botanically as tepals, and display forms ranging from open stars to elegant trumpets.
True Lilies Versus Daylilies
Many gardeners confuse true lilies (Lilium) with daylilies (Hemerocallis), but the two genera are botanically separate. True lilies grow from a scaly, non-tunicated bulb, which is a modified underground stem lacking a papery protective covering. This structure means the plant is sensitive to drying out and requires continuous moisture in the soil, even during dormancy. A true lily’s foliage grows along a single, upright stem, culminating in the flower head.
In contrast, daylilies grow from fleshy, tuberous roots and rhizomes that form a dense crown, allowing them to endure a much wider range of soil conditions. Daylily foliage is grass-like and emerges in a basal clump, with the flowers borne on leafless stalks called scapes. For the gardener, the difference is significant because true lilies are highly toxic to cats, while Hemerocallis flowers last only a single day.
Categorizing Orange Lilium Varieties
Orange lilies are commonly found across several major hybrid divisions, with Asiatic and Tiger Lilies being the most prevalent types. Asiatic Hybrid Lilies are popular for their early bloom time (early to mid-summer) and their characteristically upward-facing, bowl- or star-shaped flowers. These hybrids are generally shorter, ranging from 18 to 36 inches, and often feature solid, bright orange colors in cultivars like ‘Orange Pixie’ or ‘Brunello’. They are notably non-fragrant, making them a good choice for gardeners sensitive to strong scents.
Tiger Lilies, scientifically known as Lilium lancifolium or Lilium tigrinum, represent an older, more recognizable orange species. These plants are easily identified by their downward-facing, recurved petals that sweep back dramatically, resembling a Turk’s cap, and are heavily speckled with dark spots. Tiger lilies are known for their height, often reaching 3 to 4 feet, and for producing small, dark bulblets along their stems, which can fall off and propagate new plants.
Other divisions also offer orange hues, though they are less common than the Asiatic types. The Orienpet hybrids, a cross between Oriental and Trumpet lilies, produce large, fragrant, outward-facing blooms in shades of apricot or burnt orange. These hybrids, such as ‘Royal Sunset,’ combine the Asiatic’s vigor with the Oriental’s large flower size, often growing 4 to 8 feet tall with petals that may feature delicate freckling.
Essential Care for Orange Lilies
Successful cultivation of true lilies begins with the correct soil and planting depth to protect the delicate bulb. The soil must be loose, rich in organic matter, and exceptionally well-draining, as the scaly bulbs are prone to rot if kept in soggy conditions. A neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0, provides the best environment for nutrient uptake and root development. Amending heavy clay soil with compost or grit before planting is highly recommended.
When planting, the general rule is to set the bulb at a depth that is two to three times its height, which helps to stabilize the tall stem and prevent the need for staking. Lilies thrive when they receive full sun to partial shade, which translates to a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, they prefer a condition often called “cool feet,” meaning the ground around the bulb should be shaded and cool. This requirement is typically met by planting low-growing, shallow-rooted perennials or dense mulch around the base of the lily stems.