Lilium Firebolt - Lily

The 'Firebolt' lily is a spectacular variety that belongs to the oriental group of lilies. Its sturdy stems bear up to twenty fragrant flowers, facing upwards, with a flared trumpet shape, in a particularly dark red colour, with satin reflections and orange anthers. 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 Lillium genus belongs to the lily family, 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. 'Firebolt' is a horticultural hybrid obtained by cross-breeding various species native to the Far East. This plant reaches about 80 to 90 cm high when in bloom, and the clump spreads without a theoretical limit over time, with bulbs producing bulblets through vegetative multiplication. In August, outward-facing umbels of well-displayed flowers appear. They have a very flared trumpet shape, measure up to 25 cm in diameter, and are very pleasantly fragrant. These imposing corollas are a very dark red with satin highlights. The stamens bear orange to cinnamon-coloured pollen when ripe, completing the harmony of colours. The sturdy stems are covered with alternate, dark green, shiny, lance-shaped leaves.

Oriental lilies are a bit more difficult to grow successfully than Asian lilies if the conditions are not met. They need well-drained soil, rich in humus. Any soil that retains winter moisture 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 prolong the duration and preserve the brightness of the flowers. For a harmonious flower bed, associate Lilium 'Firebolt' with lilies in shades of red, orange, or purple, gladioli, or daylilies. Incorporating grasses and perennial plants around the lily is beneficial for shading the soil and stabilising the stems against wind and rain. Also, grow it on the edge of a grove, surrounded by small bushes such as rhododendrons or azaleas. This lily is also perfect for creating beautiful bouquets.