Double Sensation Lily Lilium 'Double Sensation' (Ia/b) (d)
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ABOUT
Lilium 'Double Sensation' is an ornamental plant known for its striking flowers. The blossoms are distinctive due to their 'double' arrangement, meaning that they have extra layers of petals which create a fuller appearance compared to standard lilies. The flowers possess a rich, deep color palette, often featuring shades of pink, red, or burgundy with contrasting spots or brush strokes in the center of the petals, characterized by variations in hue that can include lighter or darker tones. The petals themselves are plush and slightly curved, contributing to the flower's luxurious look. The greenery of Lilium 'Double Sensation' consists of lush green leaves that clasp around the stem in a spiral fashion, providing a dense foliage backdrop for the magnificent flowers. The leaves are slim and elongated, with a smooth edge and pointed tip, which juxtapose elegantly against the rounded shape of the blossoms. This plant brings a touch of sophistication to any garden, border, or floral arrangement with its sumptuous flowers and elegant foliage, often attracting admirers and beneficial pollinators to the garden. The overall impression is one of opulence and beauty, making it a favored choice for gardeners looking to add a dramatic flair to their plant collection.
About this plant
Names
Family
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
Double Sensation Lily, Double Sensation Lilies.
Common names
Lilium 'Double Sensation'.
Toxicity
To humans
The plant commonly known as Lily is considered toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the Lily plant can be poisonous, and the ingestion of this plant can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. While these symptoms can be quite unpleasant, they are typically not life-threatening. However, if significant quantities of the plant are consumed, especially by children or individuals with compromised health, medical attention should be sought as symptoms could become more severe.
To pets
The Lily plant is extremely toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney damage. Even small amounts can be deadly. If a cat ingests any part of a Lily, symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, kidney failure, and even death can occur. Urgent veterinary care is critical if ingestion is suspected. Every part of the plant, including pollen, leaves, and flowers, is poisonous to them. It's important for pet owners to avoid keeping Lilies in their homes or gardens if they have cats.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes with its distinctive double flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, which help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden settings including borders, beds, and as a focal point in a floral arrangement.
- Ease of Care: Generally easy to maintain and can thrive with basic gardening care such as proper watering and occasional fertilization.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides a long-lasting display of flowers from late spring to early summer.
- Reblooming Potential: Some specimens may rebloom, providing additional floral display in the same growing season.
- Hybrid Vigor: As a hybrid, it may exhibit greater vigor and resilience to certain pests and diseases compared with some non-hybrid varieties.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Lilium 'Double Sensation', also known as lilies, can be used in floral crafts such as potpourri due to their strong fragrance and appealing petal textures.
- The sturdy stems of lilies can be used as natural supports for other, more delicate plants in a mixed flower arrangement.
- Lily petals, specifically from Lilium 'Double Sensation', can be squeezed for their juice, which artists sometimes use as a natural dye for fabrics and papers.
- The dramatic appearance of this plant makes it an excellent subject for botanical illustration and photography, contributing to art and education.
- Fine dining chefs sometimes use the non-toxic parts of lilies to garnish or add flair to their plates, enhancing the presentation of their culinary creations.
- The bloom of Lilium 'Double Sensation' can be dried and used in creating eco-friendly confetti for celebrations like weddings or eco-parties.
- In landscaping, the plant can be used to create a visual barrier or line pathways, offering not just beauty but also a sort of structural functionality.
- Lilies are sometimes used in the creation of natural insect repellents—their scent can be unpleasant to certain insects, thus keeping them away from outdoor living areas.
- They play a role in cultural and religious ceremonies around the world, with their blooms being symbolic and used to decorate venues or for offerings.
- Their large, colorful petals can also be used in crafting, such as for making homemade paper or in decoupage projects.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Lilium, commonly known as Lily, can be used in Feng Shui to promote purity, peace, and abundance. Placed in the home, they are said to bring a calming and harmonizing energy, supporting personal growth and nurturing relationships. White lilies are especially associated with the metal element and can be beneficial in the children and helpful people area to invite supportive energies.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Purity – The 'Double Sensation' lily is often associated with purity due to its pristine and striking appearance.
- Renewal – Lilies typically symbolize a sense of rebirth and renewal due to their perennial nature, returning each year with fresh blooms.
- Beauty – This cultivar, with its double set of petals and captivating colors, exemplifies extraordinary beauty.
- Transmutation – Lilies can signify transformation and personal growth, as they start as a bulb and blossom into a symbol of grace and beauty.
- Motherhood – Because lilies are often tied to fertility and abundance, 'Double Sensation' lilies may also represent the nurturing aspect of motherhood.
Water
Double Oriental Lilies, such as 'Double Sensation', should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil begins to feel dry. They typically need watering every 1-2 weeks, depending on climate conditions, but be cautious not to overwater as this can lead to bulb rot. Even watering is essential, aiming for an inch of water weekly including rainfall. During the growing season, particularly in dry spells, you might need to water twice a week. Always avoid wetting the foliage directly to prevent disease - water at the base of the plant.
Light
Double Oriental Lilies, like 'Double Sensation', thrive in a location with full sun to partial shade. They should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but in extremely hot climates, they benefit from afternoon shade. Planting them in a spot with morning sunlight and some afternoon shade can help protect the blooms from intense midday heat.
Temperature
Double Oriental Lilies prefer a moderate temperature range with successful growth typically occurring between 60°F and 70°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F, but should not be exposed to prolonged periods of freezing as this can damage the bulbs. Ideally, they should not be subjected to temperatures over 80°F as extreme heat may stress the plants.
Pruning
Double Oriental Lilies generally require minimal pruning, especially the 'Double Sensation' variety. Deadheading the spent flowers can help redirect energy from seed production to bulb growth. Prune away dead or discolored stems and leaves to maintain good air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. After blooming has finished, cut the stems back to leave just a few inches above the soil to prepare the plant for the following season. Pruning should happen once flowering has ceased, typically in late summer or early fall.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Double Sensation Asiatic Lily should be well-draining with a mixture of loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
Repotting
Double Sensation Asiatic Lilies should be repotted every 3 to 4 years or when the bulbs start to overcrowd their current container. This is typically done in the fall after the leaves die back.
Humidity & Misting
Double Sensation Asiatic Lilies prefer a moderate humidity level that mimics their natural environment but do not require specific humidity levels as long as the soil moisture is maintained appropriately.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright indirect light, cool temps, and good air circulation for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with partial to full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Lilium 'Double Sensation', commonly known as Double Sensation Lily, begins its lifecycle as a bulb, which lies dormant typically during winter. Upon the arrival of spring, shoots emerge from the bulb as temperatures warm, signaling the start of the vegetative growth stage. During this growth period, leaves develop along the plant’s stem, photosynthesizing to provide energy for the burgeoning flower. The next phase is the flowering stage, where buds develop into double flowers, showcasing their layered petals in the summer months. After blooming, the Double Sensation Lily enters the senescence phase, where the flowers fade and the plant prepares to go dormant again; the plant's foliage dies back, and energy is reserved in the bulb for the next growing season. Finally, the bulb overwinters in the soil until environmental conditions are favorable for the next cycle of growth to begin.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
The Lilium 'Double Sensation', also commonly known as the Double Sensation Lily, is typically propagated by bulb division for ease and efficiency. The best time to propagate this variety of lily is in the fall, after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. To propagate by bulb division, carefully dig up the bulb with a shovel or spade, ensuring a wide berth to avoid cutting into the bulbs. Gently brush off the excess soil and separate the smaller bulblets from the main bulb. These bulblets are the new plants and should be immediately replanted at a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm), spaced about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart in a location with well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight. Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to establish them. Over time, these bulblets will mature into full-size bulbs and produce their own flowers.