Lilium Ferrero - Lily

The 'Ferrero' lily belongs to the group of oriental lilies. It develops large spreading flowers with a spectacular colour from August onwards. Its large, erect, coloured buds open into flowers with a heady fragrance, in a vibrant shade, between dark raspberry pink and purple, speckled with purple near the centre. This robust oriental lily faithfully blooms in well-drained soil without limestone in a flower bed, in a pot or even in a large rockery.

The genus Lillium belongs to the family of lilies, its representatives are bulbous plants whose deciduous vegetation disappears in winter. In spring, leafy stems emerge from the ground and form a narrow, vertical clump. 'Ferrero' is a horticultural hybrid obtained by cross-breeding various species native to the Far East. This plant reaches approximately 1m to 1.20m high when in bloom, and the clump spreads without a theoretical limit over time, with the bulbs producing bulblets through vegetative multiplication. In August, umbels of flowers appear, facing outwards and well presented. They are trumpet-shaped and very spreading, measuring up to 25cm in diameter, and are very pleasantly scented. These imposing corollas are a dark raspberry pink with a satin sheen. The stamens bear orange to cinnamon-coloured pollen when ripe, completing the harmony of colours. The strong stems are covered with alternate, dark green, shiny, lanceolate leaves.

Oriental lilies are a little more difficult to grow successfully than Asian lilies. They need well-drained soil, rich in humus. Any soil that retains moisture in winter is harmful to the bulbs. They do not like limestone soils and the colours are more intense in acidic soil. Exposure to partial shade, particularly in the afternoon, helps to prolong the duration and preserve the brightness of the flowers. For a harmonious flower bed, combine Lilium 'Ferrero' with lilies in different shades of pink, cherry red or purple, gladioli or daylilies. Integrating grasses and perennial plants around the lily is beneficial for shading the soil and stabilising the stems against wind and rain. It can also be grown on the edge of a wood, surrounded by small bushes such as rhododendrons or azaleas. This lily is also perfect for creating beautiful bouquets.