Asiatic lily (Lilium 'Brunello')

Overview

Lilium ‘Brunello’ is a striking Division I Asiatic hybrid lily, prized by gardeners for its reliability and brilliant, early-season color. As an Asiatic lily, it delivers large, cup-shaped flowers of deep orange, providing significant visual impact against its dark green foliage mid-summer. This cultivar is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, low-fuss performance in the perennial border.

This bulb brings structural interest to the garden, typically reaching heights between 2 and 3 feet on rigid stems. Lilium ‘Brunello’ fits well into temperate climates, thriving across USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. Its predictable growth habit and strong stems make it a dependable performer when planted correctly.

For the best display, gardeners should aim to plant Lilium ‘Brunello’ in groupings, leveraging its showy nature. Beyond the garden, its strong stems and rich color make it an excellent choice for fresh cut flower arrangements, bringing summer brightness indoors.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Liliaceae
• Plant Type: Bulb
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-3 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: June to July
• Bloom Description: Orange
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Planting Lilium ‘Brunello’ bulbs is best achieved in the fall or very early spring before significant growth begins. Ensure the planting location offers average, medium moisture soil that drains exceptionally well; lilies detest wet feet which can lead to bulb rot. For deep root establishment, bury the bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep. A unique requirement for lilies is benefiting from having the crown shaded while the upper portion receives light; mulch heavily around the base to keep the root zone cool during summer heat.

Ongoing care for this Asiatic lily is straightforward. Water consistently to maintain medium soil moisture levels year-round, taking care not to let the soil fully dry out, but also avoiding soggy conditions. Lilium ‘Brunello’ performs best when planted in groups of three, spaced about 12 inches apart, allowing for a fuller presence.

After the vibrant orange flowers fade in July, deadhead them promptly to prevent seed formation. Keep the foliage intact after blooming; only cut the stems back after the leaves and stems have totally turned yellow, allowing the plant to store energy in the bulb for next year’s display. Taller stems may occasionally benefit from light staking, especially in wind-prone or overly shaded spots.

Landscape Uses

The reliable height and brilliant orange hue of Lilium ‘Brunello’ make it a standout performer in the summer perennial border. They are ideal for adding vertical contrast and bold blocks of color. Planting them in groups, rather than singly, maximizes their visual impact, drawing the eye across the landscape.

Because they perform well in containers, Asiatic lilies like ‘Brunello’ are perfect for patio accents or entryway displays. While flowers might be slightly smaller when potted, they still provide excellent seasonal drama. Their strong, upright habit also makes them excellent mid-border plants between shorter perennials and taller background shrubs.

The rich flower color ensures that Lilium ‘Brunello’ complements many other summer bloomers. Consider pairing them with silver foliage plants to make the orange pop, or use them alongside spire-shaped perennials like Veronica or Salvia for varied texture and structure. Furthermore, their utility as a superb fresh cut flower means they serve dual roles in seasonal design.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut

Noteworthy Characteristics

Lilium ‘Brunello’ is classified as a Division I Asiatic hybrid lily, known for producing large, vivid flowers early in the summer season. These hybrids typically feature non-fragrant, wide blooms (4-6 inches) in a spectrum of colors; ‘Brunello’ specifically showcases cup-shaped, intense orange flowers from June through July. The plant features stiff stems rising 2 to 3 feet, clad with narrow, lanceolate medium to dark green leaves, making it an excellent, fresh cut flower choice.

Tolerances

Potential Problems

Growers must be vigilant against pests and diseases when cultivating Asiatic lilies. Lily leaf beetles are a notable concern in some regions and require manual removal or targeted treatment for control. Disease management is crucial, particularly preventing bulb rot, which is often caused by overly wet, poorly drained soils; ensuring excellent drainage is the primary preventative measure. Additionally, lily mosaic virus vectors are often spread by aphids, so prompt aphid control is highly recommended, as there is currently no cure for infected lilies.

Plants grown with insufficient light might also become weaker, sometimes requiring staking due to stretched, weak stems. Botrytis can also affect foliage, especially in humid conditions. Regular monitoring and promptly removing diseased or infested material helps maintain the health and vigor of your Lilium ‘Brunello’ planting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Asiatic lily suitable for?

Lilium ‘Brunello’ is generally robust and suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8.

How large does Lilium ‘Brunello’ grow?

This variety typically reaches a height between 2 and 3 feet, with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet at maturity.

What sun exposure does Lilium ‘Brunello’ need?

For optimal blooming and stem strength, plant Lilium ‘Brunello’ where it receives full sun to part shade.

When does Lilium ‘Brunello’ bloom?

You can expect the distinctive orange flowers of the Asiatic lily Lilium ‘Brunello’ to appear primarily from June to July.

Conclusion

Lilium ‘Brunello’ offers gardeners a reliable splash of bold, orange color early in the summer, making it a highly valuable herbaceous perennial for borders and bouquets. This well-behaved Asiatic lily thrives with medium maintenance and good drainage. Before planting, confirm your site falls within USDA Zones 4-8 and plan for fall or early spring planting to ensure a spectacular display next season.

Companion Planting

Selecting companions for Lilium ‘Brunello’ should focus on plants that share similar sun and moisture needs (full sun to part shade, medium moisture) but offer textural or blooming time differences. Since the lily’s root zone prefers shade, consider low-growing groundcovers or annuals that won’t compete heavily for moisture or nutrients near the base. Good companions include plants with contrasting foliage, such as silver or blue-leaved Hostas (planted far enough away so they don’t overly shade the base) or silvery Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ears).

For color contrast during the June and July bloom period, pair the orange Asiatic lily with cool-toned flowers. Deep purple Salvia, blue Catmint (Nepeta), or silver-leafed Artemisia work beautifully to enhance the vibrancy of the orange blooms of Lilium ‘Brunello’. Ensure companions remain shorter than 2 feet to avoid obscuring the lily stems or blocking necessary air circulation around the base.

Design Ideas for Asiatic Lilies

In formal garden settings, use groupings of Lilium ‘Brunello’ against structural evergreen hedges or hedges of dark green foliage to maximize the visual impact of the orange flowers. Their strictly upright habit lends itself well to creating strong vertical lines within a mixed border design. For a cottage garden feel, interplant them informally with shorter perennials that spill around the bases, helping to keep the lily roots cool as recommended in the culture notes.

Consider using these high-impact bulbs in alternating drifts with another easily managed bulb, such as early-blooming Alliums, which offer differing heights and flower shapes that transition nicely before and after the peak bloom of this Asiatic lily. Since they grow well in pots, they are perfect for creating mobile color stations that can be placed near seating areas to appreciate the bold, showy blooms up close.