Trumpet Lily 'African Queen' is a regal and striking choice for any garden, showcasing large, trumpet-shaped blooms in vibrant shades of rich orange and golden apricot. The flowers exude an intoxicatingly sweet fragrance, making them a favorite for both garden enthusiasts and pollinators alike. It’s not just an immortal movie, it’s a fabulous lily, too! Chocolate-bronze buds on tall, strong stems open to big, summery, amber-orange-copper trumpets that are swooningly fragrant.
Lilium candidum
Planting and Location
The Trumpet lilies have an intoxicating scent which will perfume an entire garden. Plant in full sun. Although full sun until mid-afternoon is optimal, lilies will perform quite acceptably with filtered sunlight or partial shade. Lilies in shade will tend to reach for the sun and may require staking for support. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, this lily is adaptable to a variety of climates and will return year after year, providing a reliable and stunning display.
Plant them right away. Lily bulbs often feel a bit soft, and a little Penicillium mold is common, but neither is cause for alarm. Bulbs can be stored in the refrigerator or other cool place (34 to 40 degrees F) until planting. Unlike other bulbs, lilies are never completely dormant and should be planted as soon as possible after receipt.
Plant so bulbs are covered with three to four times their height in soil. Deeper is better than shallower, except in heavy (clay) soils. Space most lilies 9-18 inches apart, depending on their ultimate size. Smaller lilies such as L. Plant in spring or fall. Plant in groups of 3 bulbs at a minimum for a striking display!
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Soil and Planting Depth
Lilies like well-drained soils in full sun. Well-drained soil is essential for lilies! Avoid or improve clay soil, or plant in raised beds. If the soil is also fertile and humusy, that’s ideal, and most lilies prefer soil it slightly acidic. Cover the nose of the bulb with 3 to 5 inches of soil. This allows for good stem rooting and protects against winter cold.
African Queen Lily does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage.
Watering and Humidity
African Queen Lily prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Lilies like moisture (though not heavy, water-logged soil). Lillies enjoy evenly moist soil and prefer to not be too dried out between waterings. Water thoroughly allowing excess water to drain completely so the soil does not become too soggy for extended times. African Queen Lily doesn’t require additional humidity.
Light Requirements
African Queen Lily requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Most lilies prefer a sunny (but not hot) or very lightly shaded site in the North, or afternoon shade in the South. In the North, choose a sunny (but not hot) or very lightly shaded site. In the South, give afternoon shade.
Fertilizing
Lilies benefit from a feeding in the early spring and prior to their active growth. Use a balanced mix such as 10-10-10, or a plant food developed for bulbs. Avoid heavy feeding with high nitrogen fertilizers as it makes them susceptible to disease and can cause the foliage to burn. African Queen Lily grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition.
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Fertilize your African Queen Lily every two weeks during spring and summer using a fertilizer high in potassium.
Temperature and Hardiness
African Queen Lily can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 4a-8b.
Additional Tips for Healthy Growth
Lilies like cool roots. Planting with shallow rooted ground covers or among other perennials helps shade the soil and looks nice. Lilies are extremely hardy, but in the coldest areas a mulch of straw or pine needles provides added insurance against winter injury. A handful of bone meal mixed in the soil at planting gives the bulbs a good start. Lilies like their heads in the sun but their feet in shade, so add a good mulch to help keep the soil cool and moist or over-plant with low-growing annuals or companionable perennials.
Common Issues
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in African Queen Lily, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle.
Maintenance
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your African Queen Lily after it doubles in size or once a year-whichever comes first. Repot your African Queen Lily every two years, or once it outgrows its pot.
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Safety Precautions
African Queen Lily is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately.
Key Facts Summary
Here’s a summary of the key care requirements for the African Queen Lily:
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Light | Abundant, bright, direct light |
| Water | Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining soil with organic matter |
| Fertilizer | Balanced fertilizer in early spring |
| Hardiness Zones | USDA Zones 4a-8b |
Blooming in mid to late summer, 'African Queen' grows tall and sturdy, reaching heights of up to 5 to 6 feet, making it a perfect statement plant for any outdoor space. Its robust stems support clusters of up to 12 flowers, creating a dramatic display that is as eye-catching as it is fragrant. 'African Queen' is also an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements, where its long-lasting blooms and delightful fragrance can be enjoyed indoors.
Deliciously fragrant, award-winner Lilium ‘African Queen’ is a fascinating Trumpet Lily with huge (6-8 in or 15-20 cm long), bright apricot-orange trumpets, facing outward or somewhat downward, marked with garnet-brown on the outside. Celebrated for its delicious fragrance, this prolific Lily produces clusters of 15-20 blossoms per stem for a spectacular long-lasting display. Blooming in mid-late summer, this Lily constitutes an excellent border plant, providing striking color and contrast to the perennial border and mixes beautifully with annuals and other summer flowering bulbs. Growing up to 4-6 feet tall (120-180 cm) on rigid, leafy stems, it performs best in full sun or part shade and is not fussy about soils, provided they are well-drained.
This Lily is a member of the Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids Division (VI) which includes lilies with medium-sized to large flowers, trumpet-shaped, bowl-shaped, flat or with reflexed tepals. The flowers are white, cream, yellow, orange or pink, often with a contrasting star-shaped throat. They are usually scented and their leaves are scattered with a narrow to medium width. There are 9 different types of lilies classified by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Lilies: Planting and Care
The red lily leaf beetle is a new pest that’s spreading through New England and beyond. Hand-picking and neem-based insecticides are two widely recommended controls.
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
