SKU: 00840369420572 3 'Ilse' Dwarf Asiatic Lily Bulbs

Key Features

• Growth Habit: Compact, upright, clump-forming perennial with sturdy stems and narrow, glossy green foliage.
• Bloom Color: Bright golden-yellow, upward-facing flowers.
• Fragrance: None to very lightly fragrant; Asiatic lilies are generally grown for their vibrant color rather than scent.
• Fruit Flavor: None; produces ornamental seed pods if flowers are left intact.
• Culinary Uses: None; not edible.
• Medicinal Uses: None recognized.
• Possible Toxicity: Highly toxic to cats. All parts of the plant, including flowers, leaves, pollen, stems, and bulbs, can cause severe kidney failure if ingested by cats. Mild gastrointestinal upset may occur if eaten by dogs or humans, but serious toxicity primarily affects cats.
• Wildlife & Pest Resistance: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Moderately resistant to deer and rabbits, although young shoots and flower buds may occasionally be browsed. Monitor for lily beetles, aphids, and slugs.
• Planting Zone: Hardy in USDA Zones 3–8.
• Sun Preferences: Full sun to partial shade; performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate; prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil but tolerates brief dry periods once established.
• Mature Size: Approximately 14–20 inches tall and 10–14 inches wide.

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When and How to Prune

• Remove spent flowers after blooming to prevent seed production and encourage the bulb to store energy.
• Leave all foliage in place until it naturally turns yellow or brown.
• Cut stems back to ground level in late fall after the foliage has completely died back.
• Remove damaged or diseased leaves throughout the growing season if necessary.

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Planting Instructions (Bulbs into the Ground)

1. Plant bulbs in fall before the ground freezes or in early spring as soon as the soil is workable.
2. Select a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil.
3. Dig holes 4–6 inches deep, measuring from the top of the bulb to the soil surface.
4. Place bulbs with the pointed end facing upward.
5. Space bulbs 8–10 inches apart to allow for mature growth and good air circulation.
6. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly after planting.
7. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
8. Water regularly during active growth, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings but never become completely dry.

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Overwintering Steps

• 'Ilse' Dwarf Asiatic Lily is fully hardy in USDA Zones 3–8 and usually requires little winter protection.
• After the foliage has naturally died back, cut stems to ground level.
• Apply a 2–4 inch layer of mulch after the ground freezes to protect bulbs from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Remove excess mulch in early spring as new shoots begin to emerge.
• In areas with poorly drained winter soils, ensure bulbs are planted in raised beds or amended soil to prevent bulb rot.
• Divide overcrowded clumps every 3–5 years in fall to maintain vigorous flowering and healthy bulb production.

Compact, colorful, and exceptionally easy to grow, 'Ilse' Dwarf Asiatic Lily is an outstanding choice for gardeners looking to add brilliant summer blooms to patios, borders, or small garden spaces. Its sturdy habit, reliable performance, and vivid golden flowers make it a beautiful addition to nearly any landscape.