Longiflorum-Asiatic lily (Lilium 'Orange Tycoon')
Lilium 'Orange Tycoon', a Longiflorum-Asiatic lily, boasts showy orange flowers and low maintenance for zones 4-8.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Longiflorum-Asiatic lily known as Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ is a striking hybrid prized for its vibrant color and ease of cultivation. As a Division VIII LA hybrid (crossing L. Longiflorum and Asiatic parentage), it offers the reliability of Asiatics combined with slightly different flower characteristics. Gardeners highly value this plant for delivering bold, upward-facing orange blooms in early summer atop rigid stems.
Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ is categorized by its low maintenance needs, making it an excellent choice for perennial borders or container displays where impact is desired without intensive upkeep. This bulbous perennial thrives when provided with consistent moisture and good drainage, ensuring healthy root systems vital for future seasons of performance.
With shiny, lance-shaped dark green leaves providing an attractive backdrop, the showy flowers of Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ provide essential contrast in the mid-summer garden. Its fragrance adds another sensory dimension, proving that this Longiflorum-Asiatic lily is an invaluable addition for both visual appeal and fresh cut flower arrangements.
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
- Bloom Description: Orange
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ bulbs is best done in the fall or very early spring, ensuring they are placed 4-6 inches deep in the ground. These lilies prefer average, medium moisture, well-drained soil, ideally rich in organic matter. For optimal performance, situate the plant where the flower stems receive full sun while the root zone remains shaded and cool; mulching is essential for temperature regulation and moisture retention. Space groupings about 12 inches apart, planting in groups of three for the best visual effect.
Care during the growing season centers on consistent moisture management. Longiflorum-Asiatic lilies need good, even moisture throughout the year, but they are susceptible to bulb rot if the soil becomes waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil completely dry out, but ensure quick drainage after watering or rain. Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ generally requires low maintenance; deadhead flowers once they fade to prevent unwanted seed setting.
Staking may be necessary for taller stems, especially if the plant is situated in too much shade, which can cause weakening, or in windy locations. After the foliage and stems completely yellow following the bloom period, you may cut the plants back. Do not trim them down immediately after flowering ceases.
Landscape Uses
The vibrant orange coloration ensures that Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ stands out as a focal point in summer gardening schemes. Their upright habit makes them superb vertical accents when incorporated into mixed perennial borders, offering essential height and contrast among lower-growing companion plants. Planting them in distinct groups rather than single specimens maximizes their showy nature.
Beyond the border, this Longiflorum-Asiatic lily performs admirably when grown in containers. While blooms may be slightly smaller when containerized, the dramatic color display and moderate size make them excellent for patios or balconies. Furthermore, due to their sturdy stems and beautiful form, they are highly recommended for use as fresh cut flowers, bringing the garden’s summer vibrancy indoors.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ is classified as a Division VIII LA hybrid lily, the result of crossing L. Longiflorum with an Asiatic hybrid. Its flowers are upward-facing, approximately 3-4 inches wide, featuring wide-spreading orange petals and possessing a mild fragrance. The plant displays shiny, green, lance-shaped leaves along the rigid stems, making it an excellent choice for fresh floral arrangements.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
The primary aesthetic threat to lilies in many regions comes from the invasive lily leaf beetle, which must be vigilantly managed. For disease prevention, good soil drainage is paramount, as excess moisture directly leads to bulb rot, a common issue for all planting stocks of Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’. Growers must also manage aphids diligently, as controlling these pests prevents the transmission of lily mosaic virus, for which no cure exists once infection occurs.
Monitor for signs of botrytis, a fungal issue often presenting as leaf spots, particularly in humid conditions. If stems appear weak, it often signifies insufficient light or excessive wind exposure, indicating that staking may be required to keep the display upright through the summer season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Longiflorum-Asiatic lily suitable for?
Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ is hardy and performs reliably across USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ grow?
This variety typically reaches a mature height between 2 and 3 feet tall, with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ need?
For the best bloom quality and stem strength, this Longiflorum-Asiatic lily requires full sun exposure, though it tolerates light afternoon shade.
When does Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ bloom?
The peak bloom time for the orange flowers of Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ is usually in June.
Conclusion
The Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ offers gardeners a fantastic combination of architectural height, striking orange color, and exceptional ease of care. This sturdy Longiflorum-Asiatic lily brings fragrance and visual interest to mixed plantings with minimal fuss. Ensure you check your local hardiness zone compatibility, and plant those bulbs deep this fall for a spectacular show next June.
Companion Planting Considerations
Selecting appropriate neighbors is key to maintaining the health and aesthetic balance of your Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ planting. Since lilies thrive when their roots are shaded, look for low-growing, dense perennials that spread slightly to cover the soil around the base of the emerging lily stems. Good companions include ground-hugging herbs like creeping thyme or low-mounding annuals such as dusty miller, which thrives in similar sun conditions.
Avoid planting shallow-rooted or overly competitive perennials nearby, as these can restrict the space needed for the lily bulb to flourish or compete excessively for the critical moisture supply. Plants that prefer dry shade are unsuitable, as Lilium ‘Orange Tycoon’ demands consistent, medium moisture throughout its growing cycle.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring marks the beginning of active care; ensure mulch is topped up around the base to keep roots cool as the shoots emerge. As soon as you spot aphids, initiate management protocols to protect the emerging foliage from potential virus transmission. Summer care focuses primarily on consistent watering to meet the ‘medium’ needs—never allow the soil to dry out completely, especially during hot spells.
Once July arrives and the blooms fade on the Longiflorum-Asiatic lily, deadhead the flowers promptly to direct energy back into the bulb rather than seed production. In late summer or fall, after the foliage has completely turned yellow—which can take several weeks—cut the stems down near the ground level. This signifies that all nutrient storage for the bulb is complete, preparing the site for winter dormancy.
