SKU: 00840369420787 3 Josephine Oriental Lily 'Josephine' ( Lilium orientalis 'Josephine')

Key Features

• Growth Habit: Upright, bulb-forming perennial with sturdy stems and glossy, lance-shaped green foliage.
• Bloom Color: Creamy white petals heavily brushed with rich rose-pink, accented by crimson speckles and a lime-green throat.
• Fragrance: Strong, sweet, intensely fragrant Oriental lily perfume.
• Fruit Flavor: None; ornamental plant that may produce decorative seed capsules if flowers are left on the stems.
• Culinary Uses: None; not edible.
• Medicinal Uses: No recognized medicinal uses.
• Possible Toxicity: Highly toxic to cats. All parts of the plant—including flowers, pollen, leaves, stems, and bulbs—can cause acute kidney failure if ingested. Ingestion may also cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and humans.
• Wildlife & Pest Resistance: Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects. Moderately resistant to deer and rabbits, although young shoots and flower buds may occasionally be browsed. Monitor for aphids, slugs, snails, and lily leaf beetles.
• Planting Zone: Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9.
• Sun Preferences: Full sun to partial shade; thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily while benefiting from cool, mulched roots.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate; prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil but tolerates brief dry spells once established.
• Mature Size: Typically grows 36–48 inches tall with a spread of 12–18 inches.

When and How to Prune

• Remove faded flowers as they finish blooming to prevent seed production and redirect energy back to the bulb.
• Leave healthy foliage untouched until it naturally yellows and dies back, allowing the bulb to replenish its energy reserves.
• Cut stems back to ground level in late fall after the foliage has completely withered.
• Remove damaged, yellowing, or diseased leaves during the growing season as needed to maintain healthy plants.

Planting Instructions (Bulbs into the Ground)

1. Plant bulbs in fall or early spring when the soil is cool and workable.
2. Choose a planting location with fertile, organically rich, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
3. Dig a planting hole 6–8 inches deep, measuring from the top of the bulb to the soil surface.
4. Place the bulb with the pointed end facing upward.
5. Space bulbs 10–12 inches apart to provide good air circulation and room for mature growth.
6. Backfill with soil, gently firm around the bulb, and water thoroughly after planting.
7. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the root zone cool.
8. Water regularly during the growing season, maintaining evenly moist—but not waterlogged—soil.

Overwintering Steps

• Josephine Oriental Lily is winter hardy in USDA Zones 4–9 and can remain planted outdoors throughout the winter.
• Allow foliage to die back naturally after the first hard frost before cutting it back.
• Remove stems at ground level once the foliage has completely yellowed or browned.
• Apply a 2–4 inch layer of mulch after the ground freezes to protect bulbs from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Remove excess mulch gradually in early spring as new shoots begin to emerge.
• Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage during winter to prevent bulb rot.
• Divide mature clumps every 3–5 years in autumn if flowering decreases or bulbs become overcrowded.

With its enormous, fragrant blooms and refined blend of creamy white and rosy-pink coloring, Josephine Oriental Lily is a spectacular addition to borders, cutting gardens, and mixed perennial plantings. Its elegant flowers, heavenly fragrance, and dependable perennial habit make it a favorite for gardeners seeking dramatic late-summer color and exceptional cut flowers year after year.