Orange lily, Fire lily
lilium bulbiferum
Also known as: ["Orange lily","Fire lily","Tiger lily (misapplication)"]
Overview
A perennial bulbous plant native to Europe, known for its vibrant orange flowers with dark spots and its ability to produce bulbils in the leaf axils.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Lilium |
| Botanical Name: | Lilium bulbiferum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with good air circulation, or container with adequate drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late fall or early spring if needed to tidy up.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or damaged parts without drastically reducing foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to dappled light in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; provide shade during peak afternoon heat; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate the plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage, ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged, and reduce watering during dormancy.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a bulb-specific mix; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid overwatering to prevent soil compaction.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights during dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when blooms fade; use a bulb-specific formula for best results.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or bulbils (small bulbs that form on stems); stem cuttings can also be used but are less common.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs carefully, ensuring each has roots.
- Plant bulbils in a prepared bed or pot.
- For cuttings, take a healthy stem section and place in moist medium.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer or early fall after flowering; bulbils can be collected in late summer.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions (70–75°F or 21–24°C) with indirect light; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; bulbils can be planted directly in the garden.
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division; rooting hormone can be used for stem cuttings if desired.
Timeline
Bulbs may flower in 1–2 years; bulbils take 2–3 years to mature; stem cuttings root in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterilized knife, trowel, rooting hormone (optional), pots or garden space.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs when the clump becomes overcrowded; plant bulbils shallowly; maintain humidity for cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; trim damaged leaves; avoid cutting healthy green foliage until dormancy.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development; cut back foliage only after it has yellowed and died naturally.
Tools
Sharp, clean pruners or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; check for disease or pests; trim only when necessary; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall after flowering and before dormancy begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) or one size up; ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs, remove old soil, inspect for damage, replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; necessary to refresh soil and prevent overcrowding.
Checklist
Choose a new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; plant at the same depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until the soil is evenly moist, ensuring excess drains away to prevent root rot; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter dormancy; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in excessive heat; wilting or blackened foliage in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage, slow growth, or prevent flowering; frost can kill tender foliage.
Solution: Protect with a layer of mulch; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; use frost cloth in gardens.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or premature flowering; may cause bulbs to dehydrate.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Highly ToxicLilium bulbiferum is highly toxic to cats, even in small quantities. Ingestion can cause severe kidney damage and potentially fatal outcomes. All parts of the plant are considered toxic to felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lilium bulbiferum can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and, in some cases, acute kidney failure. The bulb is especially dangerous due to its high toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLilium bulbiferum contains toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. The bulb is particularly potent due to its high concentration of toxic substances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lilium bulbiferum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How should I care for Lilium bulbiferum?
A: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, water moderately, and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Q: Does Lilium bulbiferum produce bulbils?
A: Yes, it often produces bulbils in the leaf axils, which can be propagated to grow new plants.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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