Lilium (clone) 'Thunderbolt'
Common Name: trumpet lily
Type: Bulb
Family: Liliaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Height: 5 to 6 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: July to August
Bloom Color: Orange
Bloom Description: Apricot-orange
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Uses: Cut Flower

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Plant bulbs 6-8" deep in rich, organic soil in fall or spring. Plant in groups of at least three for best display and space 12-18" apart. More drought tolerant than most other lilies. Bulbs prefer good moisture year-round, however. Mulch around plants to keep root zone cool. Protect from wind. Although stems are strong, staking for this tall plant is advisable. Remove flowers as they fade to prevent seed from setting. After bloom, cut back plants only after leaves and stems turn yellow.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This trumpet lily (Aurelian hybrid cultivar) is a vigorous plant growing 5-6' tall (sometimes to 8' when well established) on rigid stems. Huge, fragrant, trumpet-shaped, tangerine-apricot flowers (6-8") have tinges of green and purple on the outside of the petals and are cantaloupe-colored on the inside. Flowers appear in mid-summer. Long-lasting fresh cut flower.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to: (1) lily mosaic virus (prompt control of aphids which vector the disease is highly recommended, since there is no cure once infection occurs); (2) bulb rot (particularly in wet, poorly drained soils) and (3) botrytis.

Garden Uses

An excellent, showy flower that provides color, contrast and good architectural height in summer to the perennial border.