Lilium Lodi - Lily

The Oriental Lily 'Lodi' is part of the group of oriental lilies. It blooms from late July, early August, with single, spreading flowers in star shape with slightly undulating and curved petals, emerging from large colorful, upright buds like candlesticks. The petals are bi-coloured, with a pink-red median, washed and speckled in the same colour, and edged in white. The centre is tinged with yellow-green. Robust, this oriental lily is also nicely scented and blooms reliably in very well-drained, limestone-free soil in a flowerbed, in a pot, or even in a large rockery.

The genus Lilium belongs to the family of Liliaceae, its representatives are bulbous plants whose deciduous vegetation disappears in winter. In spring, leafy stems emerge from the ground, rising and forming a narrow and very vertical tuft. 'Lodi' is a horticultural hybrid obtained by the cross-breeding of various species originating from the Far East. This plant reaches approximately 1m to 1.20m in height when in bloom. Its clump spreads indefinitely over time, with bulbs producing bulblets through vegetative multiplication. In August, umbels of flowers appear, facing outward, generously on display. They are trumpet-shaped, very spreading, measuring up to 25cm in diameter, and are very pleasantly scented. These imposing corollas have satiny reflections. The stamens bear orange to cinnamon-coloured pollen when ripe, completing the harmony of colours. The stems are sturdy, covered with alternate, dark green, shiny, lanceolate leaves.

Oriental lilies require specific conditions to thrive, slightly more demanding than those of Asian lilies. They appreciate a rich, humus-rich, well-drained, non-calcareous soil, as excess moisture in winter can harm the bulbs. In acidic soil, their colours intensify. Partial shade, especially in the afternoon, helps extend the flowering period and preserve the brightness of the flowers. For an elegant flowerbed, Lilium 'Lodi' pairs well with pink, yellow, red, or white lilies, gladioli, or daylilies. Grasses and perennials around the lily help shade the ground and stabilize the stems against inclement weather. Oriental lilies are also cultivated at the edge of a copse, surrounded by small bushes such as rhododendrons or azaleas, and are perfect for creating beautiful bouquets.