Asiatic lily (Lilium 'First Lady')
Lilium 'First Lady' is a low-maintenance Asiatic lily offering deep pink, early summer blooms. Hardy in zones 4-8.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Lilium ‘First Lady’ is an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking reliable, vibrant color early in the summer season. As a highly regarded Asiatic hybrid lily, it provides striking visual impact without demanding extensive care. Its upright, stiff stems carry multiple flowers, making it a workhorse in the perennial border.
This specific variety, Lilium ‘First Lady’, is known for its distinctive coloration: rich deep pink petals highlighted by contrasting ivory centers and deep burgundy eyes. Asiatic lilies, in general, are celebrated because they are among the first lilies to present their spectacular blooms, often starting in June.
Valued for its low maintenance requirements and bold aesthetic, this bulbous perennial thrives across a wide range of climates. Planting Lilium ‘First Lady’ ensures you have strong vertical elements and saturated color that is excellent for fresh-cut arrangements throughout its bloom cycle.
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: Deep pink with ivory centers and burgundy eyes
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Lilium ‘First Lady’ bulbs is best accomplished in the fall, though some nurseries offer potted stock available in spring or early summer. Choose a site that receives full sun, ensuring the very top of the plant receives light, while ideally keeping the roots shaded and cool, often achieved by mulching or interplanting lower growing companions. Plant bulbs deeply, setting them 4 to 6 inches down into rich, organic, well-drained soil. Position individual plants about 12 inches apart, placing them in groups of three for the most effective visual display.
Consistent moisture is key for the health of this Asiatic lily; bulbs require an even supply of water year-round, but avoid overly soggy conditions which can quickly lead to bulb rot. During the growing season, maintain medium moisture levels. Once the spectacular flowers fade, deadhead the spent blooms to prevent seed formation, but resist pruning the foliage. Allow the stems and leaves of the Lilium ‘First Lady’ to yellow completely after blooming before cutting the entire stalk down to the ground.
For taller stems or windy locations, staking may be necessary to support the upright habit of this 3-4 foot cultivar. Since Asiatic hybrid lilies are generally considered the easiest lilies to cultivate, attentive aftercare focuses primarily on consistent watering and site management rather than intensive pest control, though monitoring is always recommended.
Landscape Uses
The upright structure and brilliant colors of Lilium ‘First Lady’ make it an indispensable accent in the mixed perennial border, providing strong vertical contrast during early summer. Plant bulbs sequentially in drifts of three or more to maximize the impact of the deep pink and burgundy markings across the landscape. These reliable flowers add immediate, showy color where necessary.
Beyond borders, this Asiatic lily performs admirably when grown in large containers, though gardeners should note that flowers in pots may appear slightly smaller than their in-ground counterparts. They look wonderful accompanying shorter, mounding perennials that can help keep the lily roots cool and shaded as recommended. Furthermore, the stems of Lilium ‘First Lady’ are long and sturdy, making this a highly suitable choice for cutting gardens destined for fresh home arrangements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
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. Lilium ‘First Lady’ features bright deep pink flowers with ivory centers and burgundy eyes, blooming early summer on rigid stems rising 3-4’ tall. It is an Asiatic hybrid lily known for its wide range of colors and early summer bloom period.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
While Asiatic hybrid lilies are perhaps the easiest lilies to grow, gardeners should remain vigilant against a few common issues. Lily leaf beetles can become a significant pest in certain regions, requiring diligent inspection and prompt manual removal or treatment. Bulb rot poses a threat if the well-drained soil requirement is ignored, as excessive moisture particularly harms the overwintering bulbs. Additionally, watch for lily mosaic virus, which is spread by aphids; controlling aphid populations is crucial since the virus cannot be cured once infection takes hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Asiatic lily suitable for?
Lilium ‘First Lady’ is robustly hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 8, offering a wide planting window.
How large does Lilium ‘First Lady’ grow?
This variety typically reaches a mature height between 3 and 4 feet tall, with a modest spread of 1 to 1.5 feet.
What sun exposure does Lilium ‘First Lady’ need?
The optimal sun exposure for this Asiatic lily is full sun to part shade; ensure the lower portion of the stems stays cool.
When does Lilium ‘First Lady’ bloom?
This perennial provides color from June into July, showcasing its signature deep pink flowers with ivory centers and burgundy eyes.
Conclusion
Lilium ‘First Lady’ delivers low-maintenance performance coupled with high-impact, saturated color, establishing it as a foundational element for summer gardens. Successfully growing this Asiatic lily depends on providing well-drained soil and consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Check your local USDA hardiness zone compatibility and plan your fall bulb planting to enjoy this beautiful display next summer.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions for Lilium ‘First Lady’ centers on meeting its moisture needs while providing the necessary shade for its root zone. Low-growing, drought-tolerant groundcovers or perennials that appreciate consistent, medium moisture work perfectly along the base of the stems. Consider using plants like Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle), which will catch morning dew and offer soft, contrasting foliage while keeping the lily roots cool during hot afternoons.
For color coordination, choose companions that bloom either before or after the primary June-July display of this Asiatic lily to ensure season-long interest. Silver-leaved plants or those with deep purple foliage provide a superb backdrop that makes the deep pink flowers of the Lilium ‘First Lady’ truly pop visually. Given the relatively low maintenance involved, gardeners often pair them with other reliable bulbs like spring-blooming Alliums for staggered impact.
Seasonal Care Calendar
For spring emerging growth, ensure that the soil remains consistently moist as new shoots break ground. This is the ideal time to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the stems, to fuel robust stem development leading up to flowering. As summer progresses into bloom, promptly remove spent flowers from Lilium ‘First Lady’ to direct energy back into bulb development rather than seed production.
As autumn approaches and the active growing season ends, focus on cleanup and protection—but only when appropriate. Do not cut back the foliage after the summer bloom until the leaves and stems have naturally yellowed and died back completely; this allows the bulb to store essential energy for next year’s display. In colder regions (closer to Zone 4), apply a thick layer of protective mulch after the ground freezes to insulate the overwintering bulbs from harsh freeze-thaw cycles common in late winter.
