Asiatic lily (Lilium 'Commander In Chief')
Grow the striking Lilium 'Commander In Chief', a low-maintenance Asiatic lily, for vibrant red summer blooms in zones 4-8.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’ is a spectacular choice for adding bold, saturated color to the mid-summer garden. As a classic Asiatic lily hybrid, it is celebrated for its vigorous growth and requirement for low maintenance, making it accessible even to beginner gardeners. This variety produces brilliant red flowers typically reaching 3 to 4 feet tall atop sturdy stems.
The appeal of the Asiatic lily, including the dependable Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’, lies in its reliability; these bulbs establish easily and return year after year with consistent performance. They offer excellent vertical accents and provide vibrant contrast when planted in drifts within perennial borders or containers.
Gardeners looking for reliable summer impact should consider incorporating Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’ into their landscape plans. Its straightforward cultural needs and stunning, showy red blooms ensure it remains a garden favorite across many climates.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Liliaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-4 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: Red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’ bulbs is ideally done in the fall, although some nursery stock may be available for planting in very early spring. If planting bulbs, set them 4 to 6 inches deep in groups of three, spacing them about 12 inches apart to achieve a good visual display. Potted plants offer more flexibility and can be placed in the ground any time from spring through fall.
These Asiatic lilies thrive in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soil. They prefer rich, organic soils and perform best when they receive full sun on their upper foliage, while their roots remain shaded and cool—mulching heavily around the base helps achieve this beneficial microclimate. Ensure bulbs receive good, even moisture year-round, but avoid overly wet conditions which are a primary cause of bulb rot.
Day-to-day care is minimal, reflecting the low maintenance level of this Asiatic lily. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed formation, but resist the urge to prune the foliage immediately after blooming. Wait to cut the stems back until the leaves and stems have turned completely yellow in the fall. Taller stems might occasionally require staking if planted in too much shade or exposed to high winds.
Landscape Uses
Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’ serves as an excellent, showy vertical element, providing strong color contrast during the early summer months. Plant them in groups within the perennial border where their height (3 to 4 feet) allows them to stand out against shorter surrounding plants. They lend immediate formality and drama wherever they are placed.
This dependable bulb also adapts well to container gardening, although the resulting flowers may be slightly smaller than those grown in the ground. For cut flower enthusiasts, the rigid stems produce excellent, durable arrangements indoors. Grouping these deep red Asiatic lilies with contrasting colors like white daisies or silver foliage enhances both their impact and the overall garden composition.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lilium is a genus historically famous for its diverse 6-tepaled flowers, often featuring trumpet, funnel, or cup shapes. Asiatic hybrid lilies like Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’ are particularly valued for their early summer bloom time, large flowers up to 6 inches wide, and wide color variability, though they are typically non-fragrant. ‘Commander In Chief’ specifically boasts bright red blooms on stiff stems rising 3 to 4 feet tall.
Tolerances
(No data available)
Potential Problems
Lily leaf beetles can pose a significant threat to Asiatic lilies in certain regions, causing skeletonized foliage if left unchecked. Cultural issues often arise from poor drainage; bulb rot is a major risk if the soil remains waterlogged. Furthermore, be aware of potential viral diseases like lily mosaic virus; prompt control of aphids, which vector this incurable disease, is the primary defense. Staking may be necessary for taller plants grown in overly shaded spots where stems tend to weaken.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’ suitable for?
This reliable Asiatic lily is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does the Asiatic lily grow?
Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’ typically reaches a mature height between 3 and 4 feet, with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet.
What sun exposure does Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’ need?
For best results, plant Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’ where it can receive full sun to part shade; remember that keeping the root zone shaded is also beneficial.
When does the Asiatic lily bloom?
You can expect the vibrant red flowers of this Lilium variety to appear from June through July.
Conclusion
The Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’ offers gardeners a low-effort way to introduce high-impact, blazing red color into the early summer landscape. Its designation as a tough Asiatic lily ensures reliable returns year after year with minimal fuss. Before planting, ensure your garden site falls within USDA Zones 4-8 and that soil drainage is excellent to maximize the beauty of your Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions helps maintain the cool, moist root zone preferred by these bulbs. Groundcovers work exceptionally well at shading the base of the Asiatic lily stems. Consider planting low-growing perennials like creeping thyme, hostas with variegated foliage, or low-growing ornamental grasses around the base of Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’. These companions prevent the roots from overheating while the lilies provide vertical bursts of color above them.
Design Ideas
The strong, upright habit and saturated red color of the Lilium ‘Commander In Chief’ make it perfect for foundation plantings or adding structure to mixed borders. Use groups of three or five to create strong focal points that draw the eye. For a classic cottage garden look, pair these bold red blooms with soft blues or whites from Salvia or white Oriental Poppies, taking advantage of staggered bloom times to extend interest beyond the Asiatic lily’s peak.
