Lilium Asiflorum - Pink - 5 bulbs p-pack (188)

Lilium Asiflorum 'Pink' is a striking hybrid lily that produces vibrant pink flowers with a pleasant fragrance. Known for their bold color and elegance, these lilies thrive in South Africa's varied climate, making them an excellent choice for gardens across the country. With the right care, they can provide stunning blooms in mid to late summer.

1. Best Growing Conditions

Climate:

• Asiflorum 'Pink' thrives in moderate to temperate climates.

• Best suited for regions such as the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape, where winters are mild and summers are not excessively hot.

• Can tolerate light frost, but prefers mild winter temperatures for optimal growth.

Sunlight:

• Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

• Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce strong stems and vibrant blooms.

• In warmer areas, afternoon shade helps protect the plant from intense heat.

Soil Requirements:

• Requires well-draining, loamy soil with plenty of organic matter.

• pH range: 6.0—7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

• Ensure the soil is not waterlogged, as lilies are prone to bulb rot in excessively wet conditions.

2. Planting Lilium Asiflorum Bulbs

Best Planting Time:

• Autumn (April—May) or early spring (August—September) for mid to late summer flowering (December—February).

Depth & Spacing:

• Plant bulbs 10—15 cm deep and 20—30 cm apart to allow sufficient room for growth and prevent overcrowding.

• Proper spacing encourages airflow around the plant, which helps reduce the risk of disease.

Container Growing:

• Lilium Asiflorum 'Pink' is ideal for large containers (at least 30 cm deep).

• Use a well-draining potting mix to allow the roots to grow freely and avoid waterlogging.

• Ensure the container has adequate drainage holes to prevent water accumulation at the bottom.

3. Watering & Care

Watering:

• Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

• Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid waterlogging, which can cause bulb rot.

• Reduce watering once the plant has finished flowering, as it enters dormancy for the winter.

Fertilizing:

• At planting: Use a slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 5-10-10) to support the initial growth and bulb development.

• During growth: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks to encourage healthy stem and leaf growth.

• After flowering: Use a potassium-rich fertilizer to promote bulb strength for the next flowering season.

Mulching:

• Apply a layer of mulch (organic materials such as bark, compost, or straw) around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Mulch also helps suppress weeds and keeps the soil cool, especially during the warmer months.

4. Flowering & Dormancy

Bloom Time:

• Blooms in mid to late summer (December—February).

• Produces vibrant pink trumpet-shaped flowers that add a lovely fragrance and color to the garden.

After Flowering Care:

• Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed production and encourage the plant to focus energy on bulb development.

• Let the foliage die back naturally as the plant enters dormancy. This is important for the health of the bulbs, as the leaves help the plant store energy for next season.

• Reduce watering once the plant enters dormancy in late summer or early autumn.

Lifting & Storing Bulbs (Optional):

• If you live in an area with wet winters, you may wish to lift the bulbs after the foliage dies back.

• Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place (10—12°C) until it is time to replant them in autumn.

5. Staking & Support

Support Needed:

• Asiflorum 'Pink' lilies grow to about 1 meter in height, so they may need light support.

• Use bamboo stakes or plant supports to keep the stems upright, especially during windy weather or when the flowers are in full bloom.

6. Pests & Diseases

Common Pests:

• Aphids and thrips can sometimes infest lilies, especially during the growing season.

• Lily beetles are also a common pest. Remove them by hand or treat with organic insecticides.

• Spider mites may appear, especially during hot, dry weather, and can be controlled with insecticidal soap.

Disease Issues:

• Botrytis (Grey Mold) can affect lilies, particularly in humid conditions. E...