Longiflorum-Asiatic lily (Lilium 'White Tycoon')
Discover the pure white, mildly fragrant Lilium 'White Tycoon'. This Longiflorum-Asiatic lily thrives in zones 4-8.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ is a striking Division VIII LA hybrid, resulting from a cross between Longiflorum and Asiatic lilies. Gardeners value this Longiflorum-Asiatic lily for its upright, rigid stems topped with pure white blooms that offer a mild, pleasing fragrance during early summer. It merges the strength of Asiatic lilies with the elegance often associated with Easter lilies.
This bulbous perennial is celebrated for its low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking for reliable summer color. Reaching a respectable height of 2 to 3 feet, Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ provides vertical interest in mixed borders without becoming overly tall or ungainly.
With its shiny dark green foliage contrasting the bright white flowers blooming reliably from June to July, Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ establishes itself as a standout in the perennial landscape. Its adaptability to both full sun and partial shade, combined with outstanding qualities as a cut flower, solidifies its utility in diverse garden settings.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Liliaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ bulbs is best achieved in the fall, though some may be available in the very early spring. Ensure the planting site offers average, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, as lilies dislike perpetually wet conditions which can lead to bulb rot. Position bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep, spacing them about 12 inches apart for the best group display. Remember the classic lily recommendation: full sun for the upper plant, but keeping the roots cool and shaded, achieved easily with mulch.
Watering demands for this Longiflorum-Asiatic lily are medium; aim for consistent, even moisture year-round, making sure the soil never fully dries out between waterings. However, avoid overwatering, especially if drainage is poor, as this is the primary cause of bulb failure. Taller stems might benefit from staking if they are situated in heavy winds or too much afternoon shade, which can cause weakening.
Maintenance is generally low. Deadhead spent flowers promptly to prevent seed set, but avoid pruning the foliage immediately after blooming. Allow the leaves and stems of the Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ to turn completely yellow before cutting them back for winter dormancy preparation.
Landscape Uses
The bold, pure white presentation of Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ makes it an excellent vertical accent in the summer perennial border, offering necessary color and contrast after many spring bloomers fade. Plant these lilies in clusters of three or more to maximize their visual impact as the flowers emerge in early summer. Their height (2-3 feet) positions them perfectly in the middle to back tiers of a mixed border.
Beyond traditional garden beds, these hardy hybrids perform admirably in containers. While flowers might be slightly smaller when grown in pots, they offer portability and flexibility for patios or decks. Furthermore, the sturdy stems and classic shape make them highly recommended for use as fresh cut flowers in summer arrangements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lilium is a genus widely recognized for its stunning, often fragrant, 6-tepaled flowers displayed atop stiff stems. The Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ is specifically classified as a Division VIII LA hybrid, combining traits from Longiflorum and Asiatic types to produce pure white blooms on rigid stems reaching 2-3 feet. Its shiny dark green leaves provide a rich backdrop for this exceptionally showy summer flower.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Gardeners should remain vigilant for the aesthetically damaging lily leaf beetle, which must be controlled promptly in affected regions. Bulb rot is a significant concern, particularly when planting in heavy, poorly drained soils or when providing excessive moisture, so excellent drainage is non-negotiable for healthy Lilium ‘White Tycoon’. Another potential issue is lily mosaic virus; since there is no cure once infection occurs, prompt control of the aphids that transmit the virus is crucial for protecting your bulb stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ suitable for?
This Longiflorum-Asiatic lily is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ grow?
When mature, you can expect the height of this lily to range between 2 and 3 feet, with a spread of 1 to 2 feet.
What sun exposure does Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ need?
For best performance and strong stems, this lily requires full sun to partial shade conditions, generally preferring the upper plant to be in the sun.
When does Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ bloom?
The beautiful white flowers of the Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ typically appear throughout the mid-summer period, specifically blooming from June to July.
Conclusion
The Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ offers remarkable value with its low-maintenance needs, pure white, showy blooms, and mild fragrance, making it a reliable performer in the summer garden. As a versatile Longiflorum-Asiatic lily, it excels in borders, containers, and as a spectacular cutting flower. Before planting, ensure your site has the required afternoon shade for the roots and check your local USDA hardiness zone compatibility.
Companion Planting for Lilies
Selecting appropriate companions for Lilium ‘White Tycoon’ focuses on plants that appreciate similar soil moisture (medium) and can provide the necessary shade for the lily bulbs. Traditional cottage garden companions work wonderfully, such as lower-growing perennials like Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) or Catmint (Nepeta). These shorter plants help keep the root zone cool and shielded from intense afternoon sun, fulfilling a key cultural requirement for a thriving lily patch.
Consider using foliage contrast to make the pure white flowers pop. Silver-leaved plants or those with dark purple foliage, such as certain Heucheras or Lungwort (Pulmonaria), provide excellent depth against the shiny dark green leaves of the Longiflorum-Asiatic lily. Always plant companions far enough away to ensure good air circulation around the lily stems to mitigate fungal issues like botrytis.
Seasonal Care Calendar for Lilium ‘White Tycoon’
Spring preparation involves amending the soil with rich compost before the new shoots emerge, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients for the season ahead. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer early in the season if your soil is poor, but remember that lilies generally prefer not to be overly fertilized. Mulching deeply after planting helps maintain cool roots and consistent moisture throughout the summer growth period.
Summer is primarily about monitoring water consistency—keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Deadhead faded flowers promptly to redirect the plant’s energy back into bulb development rather than seed production. If plants look weak or are leaning heavily by mid-summer, provide support before strong winds arrive.
Fall care focuses heavily on allowing the foliage to completely die back naturally; this vital process ensures the bulb stores enough energy for robust blooming the following year. Only after the entire stem has turned yellow should you cut it down close to the ground, preparing the site for winter dormancy protection, if necessary in the coldest zones.
