Red Velvet Lily Lilium 'Red Velvet' (Ic/d)
ABOUT
Lilium 'Red Velvet' is a striking ornamental plant commonly known as a hybrid lily that boasts sumptuous, saturated deep red flowers. The petals exhibit a luxurious velvety texture, giving the plant its evocative name 'Red Velvet.' Each flower consists of six broad petals that curl back towards the stem, creating a distinctive trumpet shape that lilies are renowned for. These petals might show fine, papery edges and often display a few darker spots towards their base, adding depth and intrigue to the bloom's appearance. At the center of the flower, prominent anthers rise up, tipped with bold pollen that contrasts vividly with the rich red petals. The blooms are accentuated by the plant's lush green foliage, which consists of narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged spirally along the stem, providing an elegant backdrop that highlights the flowers' vivid coloration. The leaves might appear glossy and have a slightly textured surface, enhancing the overall lushness of the plant. 'Red Velvet' is a captivating addition to any garden, offering a luxurious display that draws the eye and adds a touch of opulence with its dramatic flare and intense color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Asiatic Lily, Oriental Lily, Tiger Lily, Trumpet Lily
Common names
Lilium 'Red Velvet' (Ic/d).
ToxicityTo humans
The Lilium 'Red Velvet', commonly referred to as a lily, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion can cause minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is essential to exercise caution and keep the plant away from children who might accidentally ingest its parts.
To pets
For pets, particularly cats, the lily is extremely toxic. Even small amounts of any part of the plant, including the pollen, can cause severe acute kidney failure in cats. Symptoms of lily poisoning in cats can include vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, kidney failure, and if left untreated, can be fatal. Immediate veterinary care is critical if ingestion is suspected. Dogs are less sensitive, but can still experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume lilies.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Lilium 'Red Velvet' is widely appreciated for its stunning, vibrant red flowers which add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: With its large, showy flowers, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Ease of Growth: This lily variety is known for being hardy and relatively easy to grow, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: It typically has a longer blooming period compared to some other plants, offering visual interest throughout its bloom time.
- Cut Flower Use: The blossoms of the 'Red Velvet' lily make excellent cut flowers for arrangements and bouquets due to their striking appearance and longevity.
- Versatility: It can be planted in borders, beds, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lilium 'Red Velvet', also known as Asiatic Lily, can be used in perfume making due to its sweet and strong fragrance, providing a unique floral note in fragrance blends.
- The petals of the Asiatic Lily can be used in fine art as natural brushes or stamps when dipped in paint, as their diverse textures add an organic feel to paintings.
- The starchy bulbs of the Asiatic Lily are edible and can be used as a potato substitute in cooking, offering a slightly sweet flavor when roasted or boiled.
- Its sturdy stems can be used in lightweight construction for model making or as natural supports for small climbing plants.
- The pigment from Asiatic Lily petals can be extracted to create natural dyes for textiles, providing hues of red and pink.
- Petals from the Asiatic Lily can be incorporated into eco-friendly confetti or pressed into decorative paper for artistic stationery or wedding invitations.
- Crushed leaves and stems can serve as a natural pest repellent in gardens, due to their strong scent and potential irritating properties to some pests.
- Asiatic Lily flowers can be used as a natural watercolor paint when the petals are crushed and mixed with water, creating delicate pastel tones.
- The plant's sturdy seed pods can be dried and used in decorative arrangements or as sound-producing elements in musical instruments or children's toys.
- Used in floral photography, Asiatic Lily adds a vibrant pop of color and sophistication to botanical photo shoots and still-life compositions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: The 'Red Velvet' Lily, with its deep red color, is often associated with strong emotions and passion, similar to the way red roses symbolize love and desire.
- Purity: Despite its vibrant hue, lilies in general represent purity and chastity, which can be attributed to their longstanding historical and religious associations.
- Renewal: The lily is a symbol of rebirth and renewal due to its perennial nature and its ability to return each year with fresh blooms.
- Transitions: Given their association with life cycles, lilies can represent transitions, signifying major life changes such as weddings or funerals.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, lilies are thought to bring good luck and signify wealth and prosperity, possibly linked to their full, bountiful blooms.
WaterAsiatic lilies, including the 'Red Velvet' variety, should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This could be approximately every one to two weeks, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. When watering, apply water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Each plant typically requires about a gallon of water, ensuring it reaches the roots without causing waterlogging. During the active growing season in spring and summer, they may need more frequent watering, but always check the soil moisture level first.
LightThe 'Red Velvet' Asiatic lily thrives in full sun to partial shade. For best growth and bloom, position the lilies where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. If you live in an area with very hot summers, a spot that offers some afternoon shade would be beneficial to prevent the flowers and leaves from scorching.
TemperatureAsiatic lilies like the 'Red Velvet' prefer moderate temperatures and do well in conditions that range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and maximum temperatures around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is crucial to avoid exposing the lilies to temperatures below freezing, which can damage or kill the plant.
PruningPrune Asiatic lilies like 'Red Velvet' after they have finished blooming to remove spent flowers, which encourages the plant to store energy for next season instead of seed production. Cut back the stems to the base of the plant once all the foliage has died back, usually in late fall. Pruning is not required frequently during the growing season, but removing damaged or diseased foliage can maintain the plant's health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Red Velvet Lily flourishes best in well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter; mix in compost or peat moss for optimal growth. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 to ensure the plant's health and flowering potential.
RepottingRed Velvet Lilies should be repotted every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil and provide room for bulb growth; repotting also helps prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingRed Velvet Lilies prefer moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a range; aim for around 40-60% humidity for best growth conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and cool temperatures for indoor Red Velvet Lily.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade and well-draining soil for outdoor Red Velvet Lily.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleLilium 'Red Velvet', commonly known as the Red Velvet Lily, begins its life as a bulb that is usually planted in either fall or spring in well-drained, fertile soil. After planting, roots develop and a shoot emerges from the bulb, with linear leaves arranged in a whorl or spiral along the stem. The Red Velvet Lily enters a stage of rapid vegetative growth in late spring to early summer, producing a sturdy stem and leaves that photosynthesize to provide energy for the next stage. As summer progresses, the plant enters its reproductive phase, blooming to reveal large, showy red flowers with a velvety texture, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, which upon maturity, split open to release seeds that can generate new plants. In winter or after flowering, the above-ground parts of the lily die back, and the bulb enters a period of dormancy until the next growth cycle begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Lilium 'Red Velvet', commonly known as an Asiatic lily, can typically be propagated by dividing its bulbs. The ideal time to propagate Asiatic lilies is in the fall, after the leaves have died back, signaling that the plant has entered dormancy. To propagate by bulb division, carefully dig up the entire plant, leaving the soil around the bulbs to help protect them. Gently pull apart the bulb clusters, ensuring that each section has at least a few scales and some roots attached. Replant the individual bulbs promptly, setting them at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, which is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep, in well-drained soil. Water the newly planted bulbs well to settle the soil around them. This method allows gardeners to increase their stock of lilies efficiently and helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become overcrowded, leading to reduced flowering.
