Asiatic lily (Lilium 'Connecticut King')
Lilium 'Connecticut King' is a low-maintenance Asiatic lily offering showy, buttercup yellow flowers in early summer.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Lilium ‘Connecticut King’ is a standout performer among the easy-to-grow Asiatic lilies, valued by gardeners for its vibrant, spotless summer color. This cultivar produces striking buttercup yellow blooms, setting it apart from its often-spotted relatives. As an Asiatic hybrid lily, it offers reliable early-season interest with minimal fuss from the gardener.
This bulbous perennial establishes quickly and delivers robust visual impact in the landscape. Lilium ‘Connecticut King’ thrives in average conditions, provided the soil is well-drained, making it a dependable choice for perennial borders and cut flower gardens alike. Its height of 2 to 3 feet makes it a sturdy mid-border accent.
Gardeners appreciate the low maintenance requirements of the Asiatic lily, allowing more time to enjoy its showy display in June. For the best results, ensure the roots remain cool while the upper foliage enjoys ample sunshine, enhancing the health and vigor of your Lilium ‘Connecticut King’ plants.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Liliaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: June
- Bloom Description: Buttercup yellow with golden yellow center, not spotted
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Lilium ‘Connecticut King’ bulbs is best achieved in the fall, although some nurseries ship potted specimens that can be planted in spring or fall. Ensure you place these bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep in a location receiving full sun to light afternoon shade. They prefer rich, well-drained soil with medium moisture levels year-round.
Consistent care is essential for healthy lily growth. Keep the soil evenly moist, but take extra care to avoid waterlogging, which is the primary cause of bulb rot. A crucial element of successful lily cultivation is keeping the root zone cool; apply mulch liberally around the base of the plants. For optimal sun exposure, ensure the upper plant receives full sun while the roots are shaded, often achieved by interplanting.
Deadhead faded flowers promptly to discourage seed set, but do not cut back the foliage immediately after blooming. Wait until the leaves and stems yellow naturally during the fall before cutting them down. Taller stems may require staking, especially if grown in heavy shade which can weaken the stalks, or if exposed to persistent strong winds.
Landscape Uses
Lilium ‘Connecticut King’ serves as an excellent vertical element, injecting bright, reliable color into the mid-border during early summer months. Because these Asiatic lilies are so showy, planting them in distinct groups of three or more creates a mass effect that maximizes their visual impact against surrounding greenery. They contrast beautifully with later-blooming perennials that appreciate similar soil conditions.
Beyond borders, the upright nature of Lilium ‘Connecticut King’ lends itself well to container gardening. While blooms may be slightly smaller in pots, they offer portable bursts of yellow for patios or decks. Consider pairing them with lower-growing foliage plants that naturally shade the roots, fulfilling the requirement for cool roots and sunny tops. They are also among the best choices for creating impressive, long-lasting fresh flower arrangements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lilium is a genus of about 100 species of bulbous, herbaceous perennials native to Europe, North America and Asia south to the Philippines. Genus name comes from the Latin name meaning lily, and ‘Connecticut King’ is specifically an Asiatic hybrid lily, known for large, early summer flowers. This cultivar features unique buttercup yellow flowers with golden centers on rigid stems and is noted as an excellent fresh cut flower.
Tolerances
No specific tolerances were listed for this entry.
Potential Problems
Gardeners should remain vigilant for lily leaf beetles, which can cause significant defoliation in certain regions. To control potential disease issues, particularly lily mosaic virus, prompt management of aphid populations is critical, as there is no cure for an infected plant. Bulb rot remains a risk, especially in poorly drained or overly wet sites; confirm excellent drainage before planting this reliable Asiatic lily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Lilium ‘Connecticut King’ suitable for?
Lilium ‘Connecticut King’ is hardy and reliably grows in USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does the Asiatic lily grow?
This plant typically reaches a mature height between 2 and 3 feet and spreads moderately, between 0.75 and 1 foot wide.
What sun exposure does Lilium ‘Connecticut King’ need?
This lily performs best when planted in locations receiving full sun to partial shade.
When does Lilium ‘Connecticut King’ bloom?
Expect this cultivar to bloom in June, showcasing buttercup yellow flowers with golden centers that lack distracting spots.
Conclusion
Lilium ‘Connecticut King’ provides dependable, low-maintenance color and makes an outstanding addition to any summer garden plan, particularly for cutting enthusiasts seeking vibrant, spotless yellow blooms. Assess your yard’s hardiness zone compatibility now to ensure successful planting of this celebrated Asiatic lily this coming fall.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions ensures the Lilium ‘Connecticut King’ looks its best throughout the season. Plant shorter perennials near the base that can thrive in similar partial shade conditions while keeping the lily roots cool. Good partners include Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle) or Nepeta (Catmint), whose lower foliage naturally shades the soil around the base of the lily bulb area.
These companions should not compete aggressively for nutrients or water, which is crucial since lilies require consistent moisture. Focus on plants that offer contrasting foliage texture or bloom later in the season to provide ongoing interest once the buttercup yellow hue of the Asiatic lily fades by mid-summer.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the time to ensure emerging shoots have adequate moisture and apply a fresh layer of organic mulch to maintain cool soil temperatures around the roots. Summer care focuses primarily on watering consistently to maintain medium moisture levels and removing spent flowers. If strong winds are common, consider inserting temporary stakes early in the season before the stems reach full height.
As summer transitions to fall, resist the urge to clean up the garden prematurely after the bloom period ends. Allow the foliage of Lilium ‘Connecticut King’ to ripen naturally until it yellows, signaling that the bulb is storing energy for next year’s performance. Cut back stems only after this complete yellowing occurs, usually late fall.
