Asiatic lily Lilium 'Mambo' (VII)
ABOUT
The Lilium 'Mambo', known commonly as the Mambo Lily, is a striking flowering plant that boasts a delightful display of color and form. The flowers of the Mambo Lily are typically large and bowl-shaped, featuring a rich, deep pink hue that can range from hot pink to a subtler, dusky rose. Each petal might have a slightly lighter or darker color toward the edges, and they often exhibit a soft, gradient-like quality with spots or freckles in a contrasting color sprinkled near the center. These attractive spots are a deep maroon or almost black, adding a touch of drama to each bloom. The petals are also known for their recurved shape, curling backward to create an elegant, somewhat turban-like effect that adds to the plant's exotic look. The stamens in the center of the flower protrude outward, showing off prominent anthers that dangle down, usually carrying pollen that can be a lighter hue such as yellow or orange, creating a striking contrast against the pink petals. The foliage of the Mambo Lily is equally graceful, with dark green, lance-shaped leaves that spiral up the stem. These leaves provide a lush backdrop for the flowers, highlighting their beauty and coloration. Overall, the Mambo Lily exudes an aura of sultry vibrance with its gorgeous flowers and attractive foliage, making it a stunning addition to any garden where color and visual interest are desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Mambo Lily, Oriental Lily Mambo
Common names
Lilium 'Mambo' (VII)
ToxicityTo humans
The Lilium 'Mambo', commonly known as the Lily, is not highly toxic to humans. However, ingesting parts of the plant, particularly in large quantities, can cause mild stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is essential to teach children not to eat any part of a plant and to keep the plant out of reach if there are concerns about ingestion.
To pets
The Lily is highly toxic to cats and can lead to severe kidney failure. Symptoms of lily poisoning in cats may include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased or decreased urination. Even small amounts of the plant, including pollen, leaves, or water from the vase, can be dangerous. If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a Lily, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care. Dogs are less sensitive, but ingestion can still cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Lilium 'Mambo' adds visual interest to gardens with its large, colorful blooms.
- Garden Vibrancy: The vibrant pink flowers with deep-reddish spots enhance garden aesthetics during their blooming season.
- Attracts Pollinators: It acts as a natural attractant for pollinators such as butterflies and bees, promoting garden health.
- Easy to Grow: These lilies are known for being low maintenance and easy to grow, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatile Planting: They can be planted in borders, containers, or as cut flowers in vases for indoor decoration.
- Long Bloom Period: The Lilium 'Mambo' has a lengthy blooming period, providing a long-lasting display of flowers throughout the season.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial plant, it returns year after year, reducing the need for annual replanting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lilium 'Mambo', commonly known as 'Mambo' Lily, can be utilized in perfume making, as lilies are well known for their sweet and potent fragrance which can be harnessed in scented products.
- The petals of the 'Mambo' Lily can be used as a natural dye source, providing a range of soft pastel colors for fabrics and other materials.
- 'Mambo' Lily, when dried, can serve as a component in potpourri, contributing to the visual appeal and fragrance of the mixture
- The strong stems of 'Mambo' Lily can be used in floral crafts, such as making wreaths or in creating support structures for other delicate flowers in arrangements.
- 'Mambo' Lily is sometimes used as a symbol in art and literature, representing purity, commitment, or transformation.
- The cut flowers of the 'Mambo' Lily can be employed in educational settings for botany studies, allowing students to examine the intricate structure of lily flowers.
- 'Mambo' Lily can be used in photography, serving as a glamorous subject for professional and amateur photographers due to its striking colors and form.
- In culinary arts, 'Mambo' Lily petals may be crystallized or used as elegant garnishes for desserts, although one must ensure they are free from pesticides and safe for consumption.
- During special events, 'Mambo' Lily can be released on water surfaces as a part of ceremonies, floating elegantly as part of the decor.
- 'Mambo' Lily can be a part of a natural insectary garden, attracting beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which help in the pollination of surrounding plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lilium 'Mambo', commonly known as the lily, can be used in Feng Shui to promote a calming ambiance with its soothing fragrance, as well as to symbolize purity and peace. In Feng Shui, white lilies can be placed in areas where you wish to introduce a sense of tranquility, such as the bedroom or living room. They should be placed with intention, not too crowded, allowing chi (energy) to flow around them. Remember not to place lilies where their strong scent might be overwhelming or interfere with sleep.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The lily is often associated with purity, particularly in Christian symbolism where it is connected to the Virgin Mary.
- Renewal: As a perennial that re-emerges each year, lilies can symbolize new beginnings and rebirth.
- Motherhood: In some cultures, lilies represent motherhood and fertility due to their shape and reproductive mechanisms.
- Passion: The bold colors of the 'Mambo' lily can signify intense passion and enthusiasm in one's life.
- Transience: Lilies' brief blooming period can represent the fleeting nature of life, reminding observers to appreciate the present moment.
- Beauty: With their striking appearance, lilies are often seen as symbols of beauty and elegance.
WaterAsiatic lilies, like the Lilium 'Mambo', should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once a week. However, during the active growth and blooming period, you might need to water more frequently, especially in dry weather conditions. Using a watering can or a hose, water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Each plant generally needs approximately a gallon of water per week, but this can vary depending on climate and soil conditions. Always ensure that the soil has good drainage as Asiatic lilies don't like to be in waterlogged soil.
LightAsiatic lilies, such as the Lilium 'Mambo', thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, so a spot that receives ample morning light with some afternoon shade is ideal. Avoiding the intense afternoon sun can protect the blooms from fading. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is often a suitable location for providing the necessary light conditions.
TemperatureAsiatic lilies like the Lilium 'Mambo' prefer a temperate climate with temperatures ranging ideally between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. At night, they can tolerate cooler temperatures down to about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat or cold can stress the plant, with the bulb surviving winter cold down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit in the ground. Mulching can help to maintain stable soil temperatures and protect the bulbs from temperature extremes.
PruningPruning Asiatic lilies like Lilium 'Mambo' is done to remove dead or withered flowers and to keep the plant looking tidy. It also encourages more blooms in the following year. Deadheading, or cutting off spent flowers, should be done throughout the blooming season. However, do not remove the foliage until it has turned brown in fall, as it is needed to rebuild the bulb for the next season. No pruning is needed during winter, as the plant is dormant during this time.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Asiatic Lily 'Mambo' prefers a soil mix that is well-draining with a good amount of organic matter. To create the best soil mix, combine two parts loam, one part peat moss or compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite. Ensure the soil pH remains between 6.0 and 6.5 for optimal growth and flowering.
RepottingAsiatic Lilies such as the 'Mambo' variety generally do not need to be repotted often, as they are typically grown as perennials in the garden. However, if growing in containers, repot every 2 to 3 years in the early spring to refresh the soil and provide additional room for growth.
Humidity & MistingAsiatic Lilies including 'Mambo' prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to the humidity found in most garden environments. They do not require special humidity conditions and will thrive in typical outdoor air moisture levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area, avoid direct scorching sun, with cool nights.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, part sun, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Mambo lily, a division VII Asiatic hybrid, begins its life cycle when a bulb is planted in well-drained soil in early spring. Following initial growth, stems emerge from the bulb and develop lance-shaped leaves as the plant undergoes vegetative growth. As temperatures warm, the Mambo lily enters the flowering phase, typically in early to mid-summer, producing vibrant, upward-facing flowers. After pollination, which can occur via insects or wind, the plant may produce seeds in a capsule if hybridizing isn't controlled. Once the flowering is complete, the foliage and stems will die back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy through fall and winter. The cycle resumes the following spring, as the plant gathers energy from the soil to initiate the growth of new stems and repeat the process.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Lily 'Mambo' is typically propagated through bulb scaling, which is most successfully done in late summer to early fall after the blooming period has ended. This popular method involves carefully breaking off scales from the basal plate of the bulb and planting them in a moist growing medium like peat moss or a mixture of peat and perlite. The container with the scales should be kept at a warm temperature of around 70°F (21°C) until small bulblets develop at the base of the scales, usually within 3 to 4 weeks. Once the bulblets have formed roots and shoots, they can be potted up individually and grown on until they are strong enough to be planted outdoors. This method allows for the production of multiple new plants from a single bulb.
