General Culture: Click for monthly care information.
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers rich, organic soils. Bulbs prefer good moisture year round. Plant bulbs 6-8” deep (slightly less in heavy clay) and space 12-18” apart in either fall or early spring. Plant in groups of at least three bulbs for best display. Mulch around plants to keep root zone cool. Protect from wind. Although stems are strong, staking for this tall lily is advisable. Remove flowers as they fade to prevent plant energies from being wasted on seed production. After bloom, cut plants to the ground only after leaves and stems have turned yellow.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Lilies sold in commerce today as ‘African Queen’ are Division 6a trumpet/Aurelian hybrid lilies that typically grow 4-6’ tall, but sometimes taller once well-established. Primarily because of considerable variation in flower color, the preferred designation for plants now sold under the name of ‘African Queen’ is African Queen Group. These are large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers (6-8” long) in varying shades of apricot-orange to yellow on the inside and usually with darker coppery-purple on the petal reverses. They bloom in summer. Flowers appear in large racemes atop thick, rigid, leafy stems. Long-lasting fresh cut flower.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to : (1) lily mosaic virus (prompt control of aphid populations which vector the disease is recommended since there is no cure once infection occurs), (2) bulb rot (avoid wet, poorly-drained soils), and (3) botrytis. May need staking.
Uses:
Excellent showy flower for the summer border. Group near a patio and enjoy the fragrance on a summer evening.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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