Slate's Select Lily Lilium 'Slate's Select' (II)
ABOUT
Lilium 'Slate's Select' is a type of lily with a striking appearance that makes it a standout in any garden setting. This plant produces large, upward-facing flowers that are known for their elegance and vibrant colors. Each bloom consists of six petal-like segments that are gracefully recurved, giving the flowers a somewhat turk's-cap look. The petals are typically a rich, deep color which can range from pink to a deep burgundy or reddish hue. The center of the flower, or the throat, often displays a different shade, providing an eye-catching contrast against the dominant petal color. In the middle, anthers on long filaments protrude outward, which carry pollen. These anthers add a delicate texture to the flower's interior and are usually a lighter color, like yellow or orange, contrasting with the deeper tones of the petals. The foliage of the 'Slate's Select' lily comprises long, narrow leaves arranged in whorls or spirals up the plant's stem, providing a lush green backdrop that further enhances the flower's appeal. The leaves are smooth and have a glossy texture, contributing to the plant's overall aesthetic. The arrangement of the leaves also allows the spectacular flowers to really stand out when they are in bloom. Together, the blooms and foliage create a plant with a sophisticated aura, one that adds beauty and a touch of drama to the landscape. The 'Slate's Select' lily is a hybrid with an appearance that is both classic and exotic, appealing to gardeners looking for a plant with unique visual interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Slate's Select Lily, Asiatic Lily
Common names
Lilium 'Slate's Select' (II)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the lily is potentially toxic to humans if ingested. Although not as severely poisonous to humans as they are to some pets, consumption can still lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is especially important to be cautious with children, as they might be more tempted to chew on plants. If any part of a lily is ingested, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
To pets
The plant commonly known as the lily is highly toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney damage. Even small amounts of any part of the plant, including the pollen, can be lethal. Symptoms of lily poisoning in pets, especially cats, include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite, leading to kidney failure if not treated promptly. If suspected ingestion occurs, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Provides visual interest with its striking blooms, adding color and dramatic height to garden beds and borders.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds into the garden, promoting biodiversity and pollination.
- Cut Flower Production: With its long stems and vibrant flowers, it's ideal for cutting gardens and making floral arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in the late spring to early summer, helping to fill the seasonal gap in flowering plants.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient option for busy gardeners.
- Versatility: Suitable for a range of settings including container gardens, mixed borders, and as focal points in landscape design.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it comes back each year, reducing the need for replanting and providing long-term value.
- Tolerance of Conditions: Adaptable to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained locations.
- Multiplication Ability: Can propagate by division, allowing gardeners to expand their gardens or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lilium 'Slate's Select', commonly known as a lily, can be a source of pollen for bees and other pollinators, providing a vital component of the local ecosystem.
- The petals of the lily can be used in high-end gourmet cuisine as a decorative, edible flourish on plates or within salads for a touch of elegance.
- Dried lily petals can be incorporated into potpourris or sachets, adding fragrance and color to drawers, closets, and rooms.
- Lily blooms can be pressed and used in art projects, such as botanical prints or in the craft of making handmade paper.
- The stems of lilies, which can be quite sturdy, have been used in floral arts to provide structural support for more elaborate flower arrangements.
- Lilies can be used as living indicators of seasonal change in educational settings, where their growth cycle corresponds with specific curriculum themes related to botany or ecology.
- In photography, lilies often serve as a subject for practicing macro photography techniques due to their intricate details and vibrant colors.
- Lilium 'Slate's Select' bulbs can be used in experiments on geotropism, the growth response of plants to gravity, in both professional and amateur scientific studies.
- The strong, prominent flowers of the lily can serve as a natural dye source for fabrics, yielding hues on the yellow-orange spectrum.
- Lilies can be cultivated as part of community garden projects focusing on biodiversity and the preservation of ornamental plant varieties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Oriental Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Oriental Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: As a lily variety, 'Slate's Select' shares the common lily symbolism of purity, often used in religious and sacred contexts.
- Rebirth: Lilies are commonly associated with rebirth and new beginnings due to their perennial nature, returning each year with fresh blooms.
- Royalty: This variety of lily, like many others, signifies regality and majesty, which is why lilies are often found in heraldic motifs.
- Motherhood: Lilies, particularly in Christian art, are connected with the Virgin Mary and thus symbolize motherhood and nurturing.
- Passion: Lilies can also represent passionate feelings, making them a common choice for romantic occasions like weddings and anniversaries.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, lilies signify abundance and prosperity, making them auspicious gifts for new ventures.
WaterThe Asiatic Lily should be watered thoroughly during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In general, watering once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons of water is sufficient, but this can vary depending on climate and soil conditions. During hot or dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to bulb rot. During the winter dormant period, reduce watering significantly to prevent the bulbs from rotting.
LightAsiatic Lilies prefer a location where they receive full sun to partial shade. They thrive in an area that offers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, although a spot with afternoon shade can help protect the flowers in areas with very hot summers.
TemperatureAsiatic Lilies grow best in temperatures between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can survive minimum temperatures down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit if appropriately mulched. Avoid planting them in locations that experience persistent high temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can stress the plants.
PruningAsiatic Lilies should be deadheaded as flowers fade to encourage additional blooms and prevent seed formation, which can divert energy from bulb growth. After flowering, the stems and leaves should be left intact until they yellow in the fall, at which point they can be cut back to ground level. Pruning is typically done on an as-needed basis throughout the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for an Oriental Lily should be well-drained, rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0. A mixture that combines two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand is ideal for ensuring proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingOriental Lilies typically require repotting every 3-4 years, or when the bulbs have outgrown their current container and are crowded. It's best done in the fall after the foliage has died back.
Humidity & MistingOriental Lilies prefer moderate humidity levels. Ensuring good air circulation around the plants can help maintain the ideal humidity conditions and prevent potential fungal issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with partial to full sun.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleLilium 'Slate's Select', commonly known as Slate's Select lily, begins its life cycle with a dormant bulb, which under suitable conditions in early spring starts to send up shoots. The shoots grow into sturdy stems that eventually bear narrow leaves and, by mid to late summer, develop large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. After the blooming period, the flowers give way to seed pods if pollination occurs. Once seeds are mature, they can be dispersed to produce new plants, although lilies are more commonly propagated through bulb division. As the growing season ends, the above-ground part of the plant withers, and the bulb goes into dormancy to survive the winter. The cycle resumes when environmental conditions become favorable again in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Lilium 'Slate's Select', also known as an Oriental hybrid lily, is through bulb division. This process is typically done in the fall after the foliage has died back or in the spring before growth resumes. To propagate by bulb division, carefully dig up the lily bulbs and gently separate the individual bulb scales or small bulblets from the main bulb. These separated scales or bulblets can then be planted directly into well-draining soil, ensuring that they are covered with about 2 to 3 inches of soil. With proper care, these will develop into new plants that will eventually flower, although it may take a couple of years for them to reach maturity.
