Lilium Empoli - Oriental Lily

The Lilium Empoli is a plant that thrives in humus-rich soil; it does not appreciate calcareous and poorly drained soils: its bulb fears excess moisture in winter. Optionally, place a waterproof film over the stump in winter to protect it from excessive rainfall. Preferably plant it in October or spring, burying the bulbs 15 cm deep in a pocket of soil mixed with leaf compost. It will tend to stretch considerably if planted in too shaded a location. To maintain sturdy stems, choose an open area with a sunny but not scorching exposure. Surround the bulbs with a pocket of sand to prevent rot and slug attacks while allowing them to enlarge more easily. Mark the planting location, as growth only begins in March-April. Protect the young shoots from frost in case of severe cold. If red insects appear, treat immediately; these are lily beetles whose larvae can devour all the leaves. The most effective method is to catch them manually—be careful, they drop as soon as touched, so place a box underneath.
The bulbs of this lily multiply quickly and allow the clump to be divided every 3 or 4 years. If you prefer not to divide the clumps after four years, the tight cluster of bulbs will produce numerous stems, shorter in length, with fewer flowers per stem; the plant will then resemble a bushy bush, which is also very aesthetic.

On the terrace, you can create magnificent pot displays with lilies. Choose a sufficiently wide and deep container (at least 16 cm in diameter for 1 bulb). Fill it with a mixture of compost, leaves, and sand. Plant the lilies in groups of 3 to 5 bulbs, spaced 10-15 cm apart, then water abundantly. Place the pots in a cool room, or outdoors once frosts have passed. The ambient temperature should be around 12°C. When shoots appear, move the pot to a conservatory or very bright room, at a temperature of approximately 18°C. Apply liquid fertiliser twice a month until flower buds appear.