What Is a Tree Lily?

About Lilies

• Lilies grow from a bulb in the spring, then flower and die back, surviving the winter underground as a bulb again. The flowers come in a multitude of colors, the result of many selections and crosses of the original species. In general, lilies like a well-drained, moist--but not wet--soil, and full sun, though some shade may be needed in hot summer areas. They do well with a cool spot for their roots, shaded by small shrubs or perennials, with sun for their leafy flowering stems. Lilies are divided into a number of species and hybrids that share the same characteristics. Orientals, Trumpets, Asiatics and Aurelian lilies are all groups within the genus Lilium.

Orienpet Lilies

• The Orienpet or O.T. hybrid lily is a new group of crosses between Oriental and Trumpet lilies. Orientals grow large, fragrant flowers late in the summer and prefer acidic soil and cool, moist summers. Trumpet lilies are taller and more heat tolerant. The hybrids between these two groups have the fragrance of the Oriental varieties with the stature and heat tolerance of the Trumpets. The shape of the flowers may be trumpet-like or open, with reflexed petals that curve backward. The color, because of their complex ancestry, can be more intense in cooler weather. Orienpets are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.

Growing Orienpets

• Tree lilies should be given the same conditions as other lilies: well-drained soil that's moist but not soggy, with lots of added organic matter, in full sun to partial shade. Allow the soil to dry out in the top 1/2 inch before watering again, to avoid root rot. Because of their height, give tree lilies room to grow and don't be surprised if they get taller every year. You'll also have more flowering stems each year so allow them room to spread.

Varieties

• "Black Beauty" is one of the original crosses and has proved to be a tough, reliable lily that grows just about anywhere. The rose-colored blossoms have strongly recurved petals, while the stems may reach 6 feet in mature clumps.

  "Bravura" is also rose colored, with larger, more open blossoms that are slightly pendulous.

  "Purple Prince" has up-facing, rose-magenta blossoms.

  "Serrano" is also up-facing, with golden yellow flowers.

  "Conca d'Or" has large outward facing lemon-yellow blossoms with a cream edge.