Oriental lily Lilium 'Sorbonne' (Viia-b/b-c)
ABOUT
The Lilium 'Sorbonne', commonly known as the Sorbonne Oriental Lily, is a captivating flowering plant that showcases a rich blend of colors and a striking appearance that stands out in any garden space. The plant is adorned with large, outward-facing blooms that possess a soft yet vibrant pink hue, often displaying deep pink spots and speckles distributed throughout the petals. Each petal typically features a white edge that outlines its graceful curves, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a touch of elegance. The flowers emit a delightful fragrance, a characteristic trait of Oriental Lilies, which adds another layer of sensory delight to gardens or as cut flowers indoors. The blossoms are supported by sturdy stems that are clothed in dark green, lance-shaped leaves. These leaves cluster primarily towards the base of the stem, creating a lush green backdrop against which the floral display takes center stage. As it is a type of lily, this plant forms part of a bulbous root system, which allows it to emerge year after year with a fresh burst of color and scent. The overall impression of the Sorbonne Oriental Lily is one of luxurious opulence, with its sumptuous flowers and inviting fragrance making it a popular choice for both landscapers and floral enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Sorbonne Lily, Oriental Lily 'Sorbonne'
Common names
Lilium 'Sorbonne' (Viia-b/b-c).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the Oriental lily is not considered highly toxic to humans, but it can cause minor symptoms if ingested. Most parts of the plant, including petals, leaves, and pollen, can cause mild stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea if eaten in large quantities. However, ingestion is not generally considered life-threatening to humans.
To pets
The plant commonly known as the Oriental lily is highly toxic to cats. Even ingesting small amounts of any part of the plant, including the leaves, petals, pollen, or water from the vase, can lead to severe kidney damage or failure. Symptoms of poisoning in cats can include vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and subsequent kidney failure, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Dogs are less affected by the Oriental lily, with ingestion typically resulting in mild gastrointestinal upset rather than severe toxicity. However, caution is still advised to prevent any ingestion by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet [1.2 meters]
Spread
1 foot [0.3 meters]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Sorbonne lily adds elegance and a splash of color to gardens and indoor spaces with its large, showy flowers.
- Aromatic: This variety is known for its delightful fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience of any environment.
- Cut Flower Use: Sorbonne lily is popular in floral arrangements due to its long vase life and attractive blooms, making it ideal for bouquets and centerpieces.
- Pollinator Attraction: Can attract butterflies and bees, promoting biodiversity and aiding in the pollination of other plants in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in late spring to early summer, adding visual interest during this season and often acting as a focal point in landscape design.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for borders, beds, and containers, allowing for various uses in landscaping projects.
- Cultural Significance: Lilies have a rich history and are often associated with purity and renewal, making them a meaningful addition to different types of gardens or as gifts.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Garnish: The vibrant pink petals of the 'Sorbonne' lily can be used as an edible garnish to add a splash of color to salads or desserts, after ensuring they are free of pesticides.
- Botanical Dyes: The petals of the 'Sorbonne' lily contain pigments that can be used in the natural dyeing process to impart color to fabrics or artisanal paper products.
- Floral Perfumery: The 'Sorbonne' lily's strong, sweet fragrance can be captured in the form of essential oils or floral waters for use in handmade perfumes or scented candles.
- Photography Subject: Professional and amateur photographers often use the 'Sorbonne' lily as a subject for botanical photography due to its striking appearance and large, showy flowers.
- Wedding Decor: Owing to their large, elegant blooms and long stems, 'Sorbonne' lilies are a popular choice in wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decorations.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the 'Sorbonne' lily as a muse for various forms of art, including painting, sculpture, or textile design, drawing on the flower's form and color.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried petals of the 'Sorbonne' lily can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional confetti at celebrations, as they decompose naturally.
- Educational Tool: Botany educators can use the 'Sorbonne' lily to teach students about plant biology, including flower structure, pollination, and hybrid plant development.
- Feng Shui Practice: The 'Sorbonne' lily, according to feng shui, can be placed in certain areas of the home to bring peace, harmony, and a sense of abundance.
- Symbolic Gift: In various cultures, giving a 'Sorbonne' lily has symbolic meaning, such as conveying a message of love, prosperity, or renewal to the recipient.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sorbonne Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sorbonne Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Lilies, in general, are often associated with purity and innocence. The 'Sorbonne' lily, with its pristine white petals and elegant form, reinforces this symbolism.
- Majesty: The large blooms and impressive height of the 'Sorbonne' lily can signify majesty or regal bearing.
- Rare Beauty: 'Sorbonne' lilies, with their unique color variations and detailed petals, can represent a rare and special beauty.
- Renewal: As a perennial that returns each year, lilies like the 'Sorbonne' can symbolize rebirth and the cycle of life.
- Motherhood: In some cultures, the lily is symbolic of motherhood and fertility due to its full, round blooms.
- Transitions: Because lilies can bloom at different times of the year, they also represent transition or phases in life.
- Commitment: Their long-lasting nature can also be symbolic of commitment and enduring relationships.
WaterOriental Lilies, including the 'Sorbonne' variety, should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering once a week but can vary depending on climate conditions and soil drainage. Apply water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, to prevent fungal diseases. It's important to provide a deep watering, which could mean using 1 to 2 gallons per plant, depending on the size, to encourage deep root growth. During the active growing season in spring and summer, ensure consistent moisture but never allow the soil to become soggy or waterlogged.
LightOriental Lilies like 'Sorbonne' thrive in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They perform best when placed in a location that receives morning sunlight and protection from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. Proper lighting is critical for the development of strong stems and vibrant blooms.
TemperatureThe 'Sorbonne' Oriental Lily flourishes in temperatures ranging between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night, around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive winter cold down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be subjected to prolonged periods of freezing temperatures. Providing a mulch layer can help protect the bulbs in colder areas.
PruningPruning 'Sorbonne' Oriental Lilies involves removing spent flowers to encourage new blooms and prevent the plant from wasting energy on developing seeds. After flowering, only remove the stem below the lowest bloom and leave the rest of the plant intact to allow it to store energy for the next season. Prune your lilies in the late fall or after the first frost when the stems and leaves have turned brown and died back.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSorbonne Lily thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. An ideal soil mix consists of one part loamy soil, one part peat, and one part perlite to promote proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingSorbonne Lilies should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when the bulb has outgrown its container, to ensure the plant remains healthy and has enough room to grow.
Humidity & MistingSorbonne Lilies prefer a moderate humidity level, around 40-60%, which is common in many household environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Sorbonne Lily in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Sorbonne Lily in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleLilium 'Sorbonne', commonly known as Oriental Lily 'Sorbonne', begins its life cycle as a bulb planted in well-drained soil during the fall or early spring. After planting, the bulb sends up shoots and develops leaves, harnessing energy through photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem and eventually produces large, fragrant flowers, typically in mid to late summer, which are hermaphroditic and can be pollinated by insects. Post-pollination, the flowers produce seeds that can be dispersed to produce new plants, or the plant can multiply asexually through bulb division. During the autumn, the foliage of the Oriental Lily 'Sorbonne' withers, and the plant enters a dormant period where the bulb remains underground, storing energy for the next growing season. As temperatures warm again, the cycle recommences with the bulb breaking dormancy and initiating a new growth phase.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Lilium 'Sorbonne', commonly known as the Sorbonne lily, is typically propagated through bulb division, which is the most popular method for this plant. Propagation is ideally done in the fall after the plant has bloomed and the foliage has died back. To propagate by bulb division, gardeners should carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate the smaller bulblets from the parent bulb. The bulblets should then be planted immediately in well-drained soil at a depth of about three times their height, spacing them approximately 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to help establish them. This method allows for the growth of new plants that are genetically identical to the parent, ensuring the preservation of the Sorbonne lily's distinctive characteristics.
