Russian Red Lily Lilium 'Russian Red' (Iic/d)

Water

Russian Red Lilies should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant approximately once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant during the growing season. Adjust the watering frequency based on weather conditions—more frequent watering in hot, dry periods and less during cooler, rainy spells. Always check the soil moisture level before watering; the top inch of soil should be dry to the touch. During winter dormancy, reduce watering significantly to prevent bulb rot.

Light

Russian Red Lilies prefer full sun to partial shade conditions. They thrive with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, although in extremely hot climates, afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from scorching. The ideal spot for these lilies would be an area that receives morning sunlight and is shielded from the intense heat of the afternoon sun.

Temperature

Russian Red Lilies do best in temperatures ranging from about 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, dropping 10 to 15 degrees at night. They can survive a minimum temperature of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be exposed to temperatures above 85 degrees for extended periods. Ideally, maintain a consistent temperature range to encourage healthy growth and blooming.

Pruning

Prune Russian Red Lilies to remove dead or faded blooms, which encourages the plant to produce more flowers. After flowering, cut back the stalk to just above the foliage to maintain a tidy appearance. Prune lilies in late fall or early spring to remove old growth and prepare the plant for new growth. Pruning is not typically required for plant health, but it improves aesthetics and can stimulate a better display the following season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for 'Russian Red' Lily (also known as Lily 'Russian Red') should be well-draining with a mix of loam, sand, and peat to provide a balance of moisture retention and drainage. The ideal pH for this lily is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.

Repotting

'Russian Red' Lilies should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil's nutrients and to accommodate the growth of the bulbs. Always repot in the spring just before the growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

'Russian Red' Lilies thrive best in moderate humidity levels. Aim for about 40-60% relative humidity, which is commonly found in typical home environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place 'Russian Red' Lily in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant 'Russian Red' Lily in well-draining soil with partial to full sun.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Lilium 'Russian Red', commonly known as the Asiatic Lily, begins its life cycle when the bulb is planted in well-draining soil in a location with full to partial sun. The bulb sprouts in spring, developing into a stem with lance-shaped leaves, and continues to grow until it reaches blooming size. During early to mid-summer, it produces a series of large, upward-facing red flowers that are known for their striking appearance. After flowering, the plant goes through a period of seed production, if pollinated; otherwise, it begins to go dormant. The foliage yellows and withers as the plant enters dormancy, retreating back to the bulb stage where it conserves energy for the next growing season. Every year, this cycle repeats, with the bulbs potentially dividing to form new plants over time.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• The most popular method for propagating the Lilium 'Russian Red', commonly known as the Russian Red Lily, is by bulb scales. This is usually done in late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back, signaling the plant's dormancy. To propagate by bulb scales, gardeners gently remove a few scales from the lily's main bulb. These scales are then placed in a plastic bag filled with a moist medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite, and stored in a warm, dark place like a cupboard with a steady temperature of about 70°F (approximately 21°C) to encourage root development. After a few weeks, tiny bulblets will start to form at the base of the scales. Once these bulblets have developed roots and shoots, they can be planted in pots or the ground, allowing them to develop into mature plants over the next couple of years. This propagation method is effective because it uses parts of the lily’s own bulb, ensuring genetic consistency and a more straightforward growth process for the nascent plants.