All about Oriental Lily – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More

Oriental Lilies are one of the true Lilies popular for its classic stunning appearance. Their blooms start to appear in the month of August when the weather is lower. They are available throughout the spring season all the way to fall season. Oriental Lily is one of the genus Lilium next to its counterpart Asiatic Lilies. The blooms are larger than the other type and they can grow taller with the height that can reach up to 3 to 6 feet, some of the species are even considered as tree Lilies. They prefer to grow in cool regions and they can tolerate different kinds of soil.

Oriental Lilies are known for their distinct fragrance, unlike its counterpart that is not naturally scented. The blooms are usually in pastel pink or yellow and in shades of white. They are more like a torpedo with large blooms but less leaf.

Throughout time and places where Oriental Lilies are found, the flowers have been used by native people and even up to this time as medicine, food, beauty product content, and ornamental purposes. The fragrance of this species of flower is also maximized for scented candles, fragrance oil, essential oil, and more. In fact, Lily oil is a key ingredient for many facial moisturizing creams and massage oils.

• Know the History of Oriental Lily

Lilies are said to be there since the beginning of time. They said that it was part of the old civilization and was one of the oldest plants native people cultivated in the land. There were carvings found in different places that proved that Lilies were already there. Images of Lilies were also found dating back as early as 1580 B.C.

In the ancient mythology of the Greeks, the flowers of Lily played an important and significant role to the people. The Greeks gave high reverence and distinction to the Lily flowers. They even believed that the white flower came directly from the milk of Hera, their queen which was why they called it “leiron.”

Records also showed that the people of Asia Minor used the white Madonna Lilies for medicinal purposes, while in the Middle Ages, the lily flower was used to represent the purity and humility of Virgin Mary.

Oriental Lily belongs to the Lilium genus with more than 100 varieties found worldwide, especially in the regions with a temperate climate. The flowers were found in parts of Southern Canada, North America, and Europe.

• Oriental Lily Meaning

The name Lily was believed to be derived from the Greek word “leiron” that means milk of Hera, a goddess, thus it was associated with motherhood. On the other hand, because of the long pistil located at the center of the Lily flower, it was also symbolic of sexuality or eroticism.

Moreover, depending on the color of the species of Oriental Lily, the meaning of the flower may also differ. White Lilies symbolize innocence and fertility, as well as purity. Yellow Lilies symbolize gratefulness, playfulness, and enjoyment. Pink Lilies symbolize prosperity, youth, and vigor.

• Facts on Oriental Lily

Despite the many species and varieties of Lilies found all throughout the world, some Lilies, although they are named Lilies, do not really belong to the Lilium genus. This means that they are not true Lilies. The Lily of the Valley, Calla Lily, Fire Lily, Peace Lily, Water Lily, and Peruvian Lily are among the Lilies that do not belong to Lilium family.

Natural Oriental species Lilies are not commercially available because most of them are preserved to protect from extinction. These species may not also be adaptive to the garden and home environment. The hybrid Oriental Lilies, moreover, are adaptive to the garden soil. They are more resistant to plant diseases and they can grow in sturdy and large blooms.

Among the popular true Lilies include Stargazer Lily, Casa Blanca, Dizzy, Entertainer, Muscadet, Souvenir, Starfighter, Starlight Express, Sumatra, Tom Pauce, and more. These are the hybrid species known for the fragrance and for the flamboyant qualities. They also have rich colors and they are also the last to bloom among species of Lilies.

The Oriental Trumpet Hybrids, on the other hand, are those with larger bulbs but less fragrant. The division includes the Conca d’ Oriental, which is in lemon-souffle yellow color. Another of the hybrids is the Scheherazade’s which comes with deep rose color and different fragrance.

Lilies are beautiful and fragrant but most of them can be poisonous especially to cats. It’s not only the petals, leaves, and stems of the Lily that can intoxicate the cats, but also the water from the vase where it is kept.

• Oriental Lily Care

The best soil for a growing Oriental Lily is a type that is well-drained and moist with a slight acidity. Too much water is not good for the plant. In case the garden soil is sandy and clay-heavy, the Oriental Lily plants can still thrive in provided that the bulbs are planted at least 4 inches deep.

Mulching the soil is essential not only to protect the plant from snow and cold weather but also to nourish the plant. The mulch of organic matters provides benefits to the plant. On the other hand, mulch should be removed later in the fall.

Sun exposure is also important for the growth and development of the Lily plant but there should be shadings in the middle of the day. If there are stems and foliage that become yellowish, it is beneficial for the plant if they are removed, but it should be done with care.

Fertilizers and plant foods at least twice a year should also be given to the plant. It can be done in the early fall season and in spring. The plant prefers organic fish and organic compost but not those with excessive nitrogen.