Key Features

• Growth Habit:
  • Upright, bulb-forming perennial
  • Typically grows 30–40 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide
  • Strong stems support multiple large double flowers
• Bloom Color:
  • Soft blush pink to creamy white with delicate rosy-pink accents
• Fragrance:
  • Intensely sweet, classic Oriental lily fragrance
• Fruit Flavor:
  • Not grown for edible fruit production
• Culinary Uses:
  • No culinary uses
  • Bulbs and plant parts should not be consumed
• Medicinal & Traditional Uses:
  • Primarily cultivated as an ornamental flowering bulb
  • Lilies have limited historical medicinal uses, though modern hybrids are grown exclusively for ornamental value
• Wildlife Attraction & Pest Resistance:
  • Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators with its fragrant blooms
  • Generally deer and rabbit resistant, though young shoots may occasionally be browsed
  • May be susceptible to lily beetles or aphids in some regions
  • Highly toxic to cats if any part of the plant is ingested
• Planting Zones: USDA Zones 4–9
• Sun Preferences:
  • Full sun to partial shade
  • Prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight daily with cool, shaded roots
• Drought Tolerance:
  • Moderate once established
  • Performs best with evenly moist, well-drained soil
• When to Prune:
  • Remove spent flowers after blooming to prevent seed production.
  • Leave stems and foliage intact until they naturally yellow in late summer or fall, allowing the bulb to store energy for next year's blooms.
  • Cut stems back to ground level after the foliage has completely died back.

Planting Instructions (From Bulbs into the Ground)

1. Choose the Location

• Select a sunny to partially shaded location with fertile, well-drained soil.
• Choose a site protected from strong winds if possible.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Loosen soil 10–12 inches deep.
• Incorporate compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

3. Plant the Bulbs

• Dig holes approximately 6–8 inches deep.
• Place bulbs with the pointed tip facing upward.
• Cover with soil and gently firm the surface.

4. Water Thoroughly

• Water well immediately after planting.
• Maintain evenly moist soil during active growth, avoiding soggy conditions.

5. Mulch

• Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the planting area to help conserve moisture and keep the roots cool.

6. Spacing

• Space bulbs 8–12 inches apart to allow room for mature growth and good air circulation.

7. Fertilizing

• Feed in early spring as new shoots emerge with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
• Fertilize again after flowering to help replenish the bulbs.

Overwintering Oriental Rose Lily ‘Elena’

In-Ground Plants

• Fully hardy throughout USDA Zones 4–9.
• Bulbs remain in the ground year after year and naturally enter dormancy after frost.
• Foliage should be allowed to die back naturally before removal.

Winter Care Tips

• Apply a 2–4 inch layer of mulch after the ground freezes in colder climates.
• Ensure excellent drainage throughout winter to prevent bulb rot.
• Avoid excessive winter moisture in poorly drained soils.

Container-Grown Plants

• Move containers to a sheltered location during severe winter weather.
• Protect bulbs from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Water sparingly while bulbs are dormant.

Long-Term Maintenance

• Divide bulbs every 3–5 years if clumps become crowded or flowering declines.
• Replant divided bulbs immediately in well-drained soil.

Oriental Rose Lily ‘Elena’ is a truly elegant summer-blooming perennial that combines lush, pollen-free double flowers with an unforgettable fragrance. Its romantic rose-like blooms, long vase life, and dependable garden performance make it an outstanding choice for cutting gardens, perennial borders, cottage landscapes, and luxurious floral displays year after year.