Color:

Oriental Lily

Lilium orientalis

Bulb

Popular

Lily Family

Large, fragrant lilies with recurved petals and prominent stamens. Intensely perfumed - can overwhelm small spaces. Symbol of purity and refined beauty. Multiple blooms per stem.

Bloom Season

Summer, Year-round

Habitat

Temperate

Where to Buy

Find local florists carrying Oriental Lily

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Perfect For

WeddingFuneralSympathyAnniversaryMothers-day

Care & Vase Life

Stays fresh for 7 to 14 days

when properly cared for

Remove orange pollen-covered anthers immediately to prevent staining

Pollen stains are removed by dabbing with tape, not rubbing

Buds will open sequentially, extending enjoyment

Keep in a well-ventilated area due to intense fragrance

Remove pollen-heavy stamens to prevent staining and prolong vase life

Cut stems at angle

Change water every 2-3 days

Buds will open sequentially

Fragrance Profile

Very Strong

Intensely sweet and heady, with spicy undertones - can fill an entire room

May be overwhelming for fragrance-sensitive individuals

Safety Information

Toxic to Cats

Toxic to Dogs

EXTREMELY TOXIC TO CATS - all parts can cause fatal kidney failure within 24-72 hours. Even pollen groomed from fur can be lethal. Dogs may experience mild GI upset.

Fun Facts

Oriental lily hybrids were first created in the 1950s by crossing Japanese species

A single stem can perfume an entire house with its fragrance

Lilies were so valued in ancient times that they appeared on Minoan pottery 3,500 years ago

The bulbs take 3-4 years to grow large enough to produce flowers

Origin & History

Native to Japan

Oriental lilies are hybrids developed from species native to Japan, including Lilium auratum and Lilium speciosum. First bred in the 1950s, they quickly became favorites for their large blooms and intoxicating fragrance. The stargazer lily, introduced in 1978, revolutionized the cut flower industry.