Lily Lilium 'Sweet Desire' (PBR) (Viiia-b/b)
ABOUT
The Lilium 'Sweet Desire' is a captivating plant that showcases a striking array of blooms. These flowers are characterized by their enchanting trumpet shape, which opens up from the bud to reveal its luxurious petals. The petals have a soft, velvety texture and are often painted in a gradient of colors ranging from creamy whites at the edges to deep, rich pinks or purples at the base, sometimes adorned with speckles and brush strokes of contrasting hues. The plant's luscious flowers are supported by sturdy stems that are clothed with lance-shaped leaves, creating a lush green backdrop that makes the flowers stand out even more. The leaves are arranged spirally along the stem, enhancing the plant's overall aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, 'Sweet Desire' exudes a delightful fragrance that permeates the surrounding air, making it not only a visual treat but also an olfactory delight. This aspect adds an extra layer of pleasure, enticing not only gardeners but also the local wildlife that might be attracted to its scent. In summary, the Lilium 'Sweet Desire' is an ornamental plant that captivates with its exquisitely formed flowers, enchanting colors, and delightful fragrance, creating a stunning visual display that can serve as an impressive focal point in any garden or floral arrangement. Its appearance is one of elegance and beauty, making it a highly desirable addition for plant enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Oriental Lily, Asiatic Lily
Common names
Lilium 'Sweet Desire' (PBR) (Viiia-b/b)
ToxicityTo humans
Lily (the common name for Lilium) can be toxic to humans if ingested. While they are not highly toxic to people, eating large amounts of any part of the plant can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's advisable to avoid eating them and to keep them out of reach of children who might be tempted to chew on the plant.
To pets
Lily plants are highly toxic to cats. Ingesting even small amounts of any part of the plant can lead to severe kidney damage and potentially be fatal. Symptoms of lily poisoning in cats can include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, kidney failure, and without prompt veterinary treatment, can result in death. Dogs are less affected, but ingestion can still cause mild symptoms of gastrointestinal upset. Pet owners are advised to keep lilies out of reach of their pets, especially cats.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and elegance to gardens with its attractive blooms.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being low-maintenance and easy to care for, suitable for novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers an extended display of flowers throughout its blooming season.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for pots and containers, making it versatile for patios and balconies.
- Cut Flowers: Sturdy stems and long vase life make the blooms ideal for floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Landscape Design Accent: The Lilium 'Sweet Desire' can be used as an eye-catching focal point in garden beds and borders due to its striking flowers.
- Crafts: Dried petals of the lily can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a subtle, sweet fragrance or can be used in homemade papermaking for a decorative touch.
- Photography Prop: The vibrant blooms provide a stunning backdrop or subject for both professional and amateur photographers, especially in spring and summer-themed shoots.
- Edible Decoration: Some types of lilies have edible flowers that can be used to garnish desserts and drinks, adding an exotic flair to culinary presentations. (Please ensure edibility before consumption as not all lilies are edible and some can be toxic.)
- Wedding Decor: Due to their elegance and range of colors, lilies are commonly used in wedding bouquets, table centerpieces, and other venue decorations.
- Fragrance Extraction: While not common for 'Sweet Desire' specifically, some lilies are used in the perfume industry for their scent, which can be extracted and used in fragrances.
- Teaching Tool: In educational settings, the lily plant can be used to teach botany and horticulture, illustrating plant anatomy and reproductive systems.
- Artistic Inspiration: The form and colors of lily flowers often inspire artists and can be seen depicted in various styles of painting, drawing, and even sculpture.
- Cultural Symbolism: Lilies can represent purity, commitment, and rebirth, and are often used in cultural or religious ceremonies to symbolize these concepts.
- Color Dye: Historically, some plants in the lily family can be used to produce natural dyes for coloring fabrics or crafts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lily, as it is commonly known, can be used in Feng Shui to bring in peace, purity, and serenity due to its delicate and fragrant blossoms. Placing lilies in a room can create a calming environment and promote tranquility. They can be placed in living spaces to encourage harmony and in bedrooms to enhance personal relationships and romance, as they are often associated with the energy of love and partnership.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity - Lilies are commonly associated with purity and innocence, often used in religious contexts to symbolize these virtues.
- Beauty - The elegant form and attractive colors of the Lily make it a symbol of beauty and refined taste.
- Rebirth and Renewal - In many cultures, the lily is associated with rebirth and renewal due to its perennial nature and ability to bloom year after year.
- Transcendence - The lily is often seen as a spiritual symbol, representing the soul's ascent to higher states of consciousness or heaven.
- Motherhood - In some traditions, the lily is connected to motherhood and the nurturing aspect of femininity, due to its association with the Virgin Mary.
- Passion - Whilst often associated with purer symbols, certain types of lilies, including tiger lilies, can also represent passionate feelings.
- Weddings - Lilies are a popular choice for wedding bouquets and decorations, symbolizing the union's purity and the start of a fresh life together.
WaterThe Oriental Lily, commonly referred to here as 'Sweet Desire', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering once every week, but frequency can vary depending on climate conditions and soil drainage. Provide at least one gallon of water for outdoor plants to ensure deep soil penetration, increasing to two gallons during peak summer heat. In container settings, water until it runs freely from the bottom of the pot, adjusting the amount depending on the size of the pot and the plant's growth stage. Always avoid overhead watering to prevent disease and instead water directly at the base of the plant.
LightOriental Lilies like 'Sweet Desire' prefer full sun to partial shade, with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for the plant is a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates. A bright spot with some protection from harsh midday sun ensures vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
Temperature'Sweet Desire' Oriental Lily thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal growing conditions are within this moderate temperature range. Protection from extreme heat or cold will help ensure the plant's vitality and bloom production.
Pruning'Sweet Desire' Oriental Lily benefits from pruning primarily to remove spent flowers, which encourages further blooming and prevents seed formation that can drain energy from the bulb. Prune the brown or yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and healthy. The best time for pruning is after flowering in late summer or early fall, though deadheading can be done as soon as flowers fade.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLilies, including the 'Sweet Desire' Lily, thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A good mix would consist of equal parts loam, leaf mold or peat, and sharp sand to ensure proper drainage. The ideal soil pH should range from 6.0 to 6.5.
RepottingLilies, such as the 'Sweet Desire' Lily, generally do not need to be repotted often. They are perennial plants and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repot or divide them every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingThe 'Sweet Desire' Lily, like other lilies, prefers moderate humidity levels. Ensure that the ambient humidity is around 40-60% for optimal growth, which usually aligns with average indoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Sweet Desire' Lily in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant 'Sweet Desire' Lily in partial shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleLilium 'Sweet Desire', commonly known as an Asiatic Lily, begins its life cycle with germination from a bulb, typically in the spring when the soil warms up. The plant then enters a vegetative stage where leaves and stems grow rapidly, absorbing sunlight and nutrients. Following the vegetative phase, the lily enters the reproductive stage, where flower buds develop and bloom into vibrant flowers, typically in early to mid-summer. After the flowering stage, seeds may set if pollination occurs, but many hybrid cultivars, like 'Sweet Desire', are often sterile and do not produce viable seed. The plant then prepares for dormancy; the foliage will yellow and wither as the bulb absorbs nutrients for the next growth cycle. Finally, the lily enters a dormant state in late fall or winter, where it conserves energy in the bulb until the conditions are favorable to restart the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Lilium 'Sweet Desire', commonly known as the Lily, is primarily propagated through bulb scaling, a process where scales are gently removed from a healthy, mature bulb. This method is best performed in late summer or early fall. The scales are then treated with a fungicide to prevent rot and are planted in a moist growing medium such as peat moss or vermiculite. The containers with the scales are kept in a warm environment, typically around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 21 degrees Celsius), to encourage the formation of bulbils at the base of the scales. These bulbils can take several months to develop and will eventually grow into new plants that can be transplanted into the garden once they are of sufficient size and strength, usually after one to two years.
