Lily Lilium 'Julie Fowlis' (PBR) (Viiib-a/b)

Water

The Oriental Lily should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil starts to feel dry to the touch; this may occur once a week but can vary based on temperature and humidity. It is crucial to avoid waterlogged conditions, so ensure good drainage and do not allow the plant to sit in standing water. The amount of water should be enough to moisten the soil evenly throughout the pot, which could be around 1 gallon for larger pots or less for smaller ones. During active growth in spring and summer, watering may need to be more frequent, while in fall and winter, the plant requires less water as it goes dormant.

Light

For the best growth, place the Oriental Lily in an area where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight for several hours a day. It thrives under partial shade, especially in hot climates where the midday sun can be intense. Avoid direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, but ensure that the plant gets enough light to bloom.

Temperature

Oriental Lilies prefer temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, thriving in this moderate range. They can tolerate a brief period of higher temperatures but should not be exposed to heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods. Conversely, they can survive brief dips in temperature down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost and freezing conditions.

Pruning

Prune the Oriental Lily once the flowers have faded and the petals have dropped to encourage healthy growth and potentially more blooms. Deadheading spent flowers prevents the plant from sending energy into seed production. The best time for a more extensive pruning is in late fall or early winter; at this time, you can remove yellow or dead leaves and stems, but try to maintain as much green foliage as possible since they provide energy to the bulb for the next year's growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for lilies, including the 'Julie Fowlis' variety, should be well-draining with a mixture of loamy soil, leaf mold, and sand. It's important to ensure the soil is moderately fertile and to add a slow-release fertilizer. Lilies prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 5.5 to 6.5.

Repotting

Lilies, such as 'Julie Fowlis', do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Generally, it's advisable to repot these lilies every 3 to 4 years or when the bulbs become overcrowded in their current container.

Humidity & Misting

Lilies, like the 'Julie Fowlis', thrive in moderate humidity levels. While specific humidity requirements can be adaptable, a good range for these plants is between 40% to 60% to encourage healthy growth without promoting fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and ensure well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Lilium 'Julie Fowlis' begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is a dormant stage waiting for the right temperature and moisture to start growing. Upon the arrival of spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and produces shoots that grow into stems and leaves. As the plant matures, flower buds will develop and bloom into the characteristic flowers of the lily, showcasing the plant's reproductive phase. After pollination, possibly involving insects, the flowers will produce seeds within capsules that, once matured, can be dispersed to form new plants. As the growing season ends, the above-ground parts of the lily wither and die back, while the bulb remains underground, storing energy for the next growing cycle. The plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter, completing its annual life cycle and preparing to start it anew when conditions become favorable again.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: The Lilium 'Julie Fowlis', commonly known as an Oriental Lily, is best propagated through the division of its bulb scales. This is typically done after the plant has finished flowering and has begun to die back, usually in late summer or fall. To propagate by this method, carefully unearth the bulb and gently separate the scales, ensuring that each scale has a portion of the base where roots can develop. These separated scales can then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture, ideally in a shaded or semi-shaded nursery area. They should be planted about an inch deep (approximately 2.5 centimeters) and spaced several inches apart to allow for growth. The scales will eventually develop their own roots and shoots, forming new bulbs. This process can take a full growing season before the new plants are ready for transplanting into their final location.