How to Grow Oriental Splendour Lily
Wikimedia Commons
Oriental Splendour Lily
Lilium 'Oriental Splendour'
flowerOriental Splendour is a hybrid Oriental lily known for its large, fragrant flowers with deep pink or magenta petals and prominent stamens. This stunning perennial bulb produces tall stems with multiple blooms and is highly prized for cut flowers and ornamental garden displays. The intoxicating fragrance and dramatic coloring make it a showstopper in summer gardens.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Oriental Splendour Lily in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Oriental Splendour Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Oriental Splendour Lily
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Oriental Splendour Lily blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Oriental Splendour Lily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8
Sign up free to see if Oriental Splendour Lily grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Oriental Splendour Lily timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy & Sprouting
2-4 weeks after plantingBulb is planted in fall or early spring and remains dormant until soil warms. Green shoots emerge from soil.
Plant bulbs in fall (September-November) for spring emergence. Ensure good drainage to prevent rot during dormancy. Mulch in cold zones.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksTall stems with linear leaves grow rapidly. Plant reaches 3-6 feet in height depending on variety and conditions.
Provide support with stakes if needed, especially in windy locations. Water consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at stem tips and along the upper stem. Buds gradually swell and color becomes visible.
Maintain consistent watering. Increase potassium-rich fertilizer to support flowering. Remove lower leaves if desired for air circulation.
Flowering
3-4 weeksLarge, fragrant flowers open in succession. Each bloom is 6-8 inches across with reflexed or flat petals and prominent stamens with pollen.
Remove stamens from cut flowers to prevent pollen staining. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Stake stems if heavy with flowers.
Post-Bloom & Senescence
8-12 weeksFlowers fade and drop. Seed pods may form. Foliage gradually yellows and dies back. Bulb stores energy for next season.
Allow foliage to remain until it dies back naturally (6-8 weeks). This replenishes bulb reserves. Reduce watering gradually. Divide bulbs in fall if desired.
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick beetles and larvae daily. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Yellow sticky traps to monitor populations.
-
Improve air circulation by pruning lower leaves. Remove affected foliage. Avoid wetting foliage when watering. Apply fungicide if severe.
-
Remove affected leaves promptly. Ensure good drainage and air flow. Apply copper fungicide if necessary. Avoid overhead watering.
-
Spray with water to increase humidity. Use miticide if severe. Remove heavily infested foliage.
-
and
Hand-pick at dusk. Use beer traps. Apply diatomaceous earth around base. Remove mulch that harbors them.
Uses
Edible flowers
CulinaryOriental lily petals are occasionally used as garnish for high-end culinary dishes, though they have minimal flavor. Remove stamens before consuming to avoid bitter pollen. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
HouseholdOriental Splendour lilies are among the most prized cut flowers for floral arrangements and bouquets. Their large, fragrant blooms and long vase life make them ideal for special occasions and professional floristry. [source]
Dried flowers and crafts
CraftDried lily flowers and petals can be used in potpourri, dried arrangements, and decorative crafts. Dry flowers by hanging upside-down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeOriental lilies attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with their fragrant flowers and abundant pollen. They provide excellent nectar and pollen sources during mid-summer. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalIn traditional Chinese and Asian medicine, lily bulbs (particularly Lilium brownii) are used to support respiratory health and promote calm. Oriental lilies share similar botanical compounds with medicinal lily species. [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 blooms have opened but buds remain on the stem. Cut at least one-third of the stem length, leaving foliage below to feed the bulb. Use a sharp knife at a 45-degree angle. Remove lower leaves and place immediately in cool water with flower food. Change water every 2-3 days. Vase life is typically 7-10 days.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Oriental lilies were developed in Japan and represent some of the largest lily flowers in cultivation, with blooms sometimes exceeding 10 inches in diameter.
- 🌱 The fragrance of Oriental lilies is produced by volatile compounds released most strongly in the evening and early morning, attracting pollinators when they are most active.
- 🌱 A single Oriental lily bulb can produce 6-20 flowers depending on variety, age of bulb, and growing conditions, making them incredibly prolific bloomers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Oriental Splendour Lily planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Oriental Splendour Lily seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Oriental Splendour Lily timeline →