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How to Grow Imperialis Lily Red Lion

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Imperialis Lily Red Lion

Lilium x 'Red Lion'

flower

Red Lion is a stunning Oriental hybrid lily featuring large, deeply fragrant flowers with rich crimson-red petals and prominent golden stamens. This dramatic perennial bulb produces tall stems with multiple blooms, making it an excellent choice for cutting gardens and ornamental borders. The intoxicating fragrance and impressive size make it a favorite among lily enthusiasts.

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Example Imperialis Lily Red Lion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Imperialis Lily Red Lion

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Imperialis Lily Red Lion blooms

    Around Jun 26

    ≈ 70 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Imperialis Lily Red Lion dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season. Water deeply at base to avoid wetting foliage. Reduce watering after flowering.
📏
Spacing: 8 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 70-90 days from sprouting to first bloom
🌱
Planting depth: 8

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.5
Amendments:
Compost or aged manure Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Bone meal at planting

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Sprouting

2-3 weeks

Green shoots emerge from soil as temperatures warm in spring; stem develops with leaf buds forming along length

Ensure consistent moisture and protect from late frosts. Mulch lightly if in colder zones. Support tall stems with stakes early.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Tall stems (3-5 feet) grow rapidly with narrow, lance-like green leaves alternating up the stem; buds form at stem tip

Water regularly and deeply. Provide sturdy staking to prevent wind damage. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.

3

Bud Development

2-3 weeks

Flower buds cluster at stem apex, swelling and elongating; sepals begin to show deep red coloring

Increase phosphorus-rich fertilizer to support blooming. Remove any diseased or weak buds. Maintain consistent watering.

4

Flowering

2-3 weeks per flower, successive blooming 3-4 weeks total

Large, open-faced crimson flowers bloom sequentially with 6 reflexed petals, prominent golden stamens, and waxy texture; strong fragrance releases

Remove stamens to prevent pollen staining if desired. Deadhead spent flowers but leave stems. Cut for arrangements when first buds open.

5

Seed Pod & Senescence

3-4 weeks

Petals drop; seed pods develop if flowers remain unpollinated; stem gradually yellows and weakens

Leave stems intact until completely brown to allow bulb energy reabsorption. Reduce watering. Do not remove foliage early.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Daylilies Salvia Coreopsis Russian sage Lavender Ornamental grasses Catmint

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Alliums (garlic, onion) Nightshades (tomato, pepper)

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick adults and orange egg clusters from undersides of leaves; use spinosad or neem oil spray; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps

  • Improve air circulation by spacing adequately; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves promptly; apply fungicide if severe

  • Increase humidity with misting; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation is heavy

  • Remove affected flowers; use blue sticky traps; apply spinosad or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects

  • Purchase certified virus-free bulbs; control aphids which transmit virus; remove infected plants; do not save bulbs from infected plants

Uses

🍳

Edible flower garnish

Culinary

Lily petals can be used as a dramatic edible garnish for gourmet dishes and desserts, adding visual impact and subtle floral notes to high-end cuisine. [source]

🏠

Cut flower arrangements

Household

Red Lion lilies are prized for floral design and wedding bouquets due to their large, showy blooms and long vase life. Their fragrance naturally perfumes rooms without artificial scents. [source]

🦋

Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The large flowers and abundant pollen attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to the garden, supporting ecosystem health and biodiversity. [source]

🎨

Dried flower preservation

Craft

Petals can be pressed and dried for use in crafts, herbals, or potpourri. The large, sturdy structure of Red Lion petals makes them suitable for pressing and display. [source]

💊

Traditional herbal use

Medicinal

In traditional Chinese medicine, lily bulbs are valued for their cooling properties and respiratory benefits, though the ornamental Red Lion cultivar is not typically used medicinally. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers in early morning when first bloom on stem opens. Cut stems with sharp knife, leaving at least 3-4 leaves on plant for photosynthesis and bulb strength. Remove lower leaves that would sit in water. Change vase water every 2-3 days. Remove stamens to prevent pollen staining. Flowers last 7-14 days in a vase. Do not deadhead all flowers if growing for ornament; allow some to remain for bulb energy recovery.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Red Lion is an Oriental hybrid lily, a cross between species selected specifically for their large fragrant flowers and garden vigor, making them more robust than some wild species
  • 🌱 The fragrance of Oriental lilies like Red Lion is produced primarily at night and early morning as an evolved attractant for nocturnal pollinators in their native Asian mountain habitats
  • 🌱 A single Red Lion bulb can produce 3-5 flower stems in a mature plant, with each stem bearing 8-15 individual blooms that open sequentially over weeks, providing extended color and fragrance

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch Perennial pH
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