Lilium Orange Pixie - Lily

Lilium 'Orange Pixie' is part of a new series of Asian lilies selected in the U.S.A. for their small size and abundant flowering. They are sturdy varieties particularly suited for growing in pots to adorn the terrace or balcony. Their short stems, which bear at least 8 flowers, remain in full bloom for 4 weeks in summer. The 'Orange Pixie' variety has pure and vibrant orange flowers which are very bright. This bulbous plant is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained moist soil. It is also a very attractive border plant and an excellent cut flower.

The Lilium genus belongs to the Liliaceae family, its representatives are bulbous plants which are generally very cold-resistant in soils that do not retain excessive water in winter. 'Pixie' lilies are very recent hybrids, obtained in Oregon. They were obtained by cross-breeding various Asian species, including the vigorous and very accommodating Lilium longiflorum. 'Orange Pixie' is a bulbous plant that remains dormant underground during winter. Its growth starts around April, producing a leafy stem. It will reach a height of about 40 cm (16in) when in bloom, and the clump will spread without a theoretical limit over time, as the bulbs produce bulblets through vegetative propagation. Its spectacular flowers appear from mid-June to mid-July, depending on the climate. Along the leafy stems, upright trumpet-shaped, up to 8 cm (3in) in diameter flowers appear on a mature plant. They are almost solid orange, slightly more yellow in the centre of the petals, with just a few darker spots at the throat. The stems are covered in alternate, spiralled, dark green, narrow, and shiny leaves.

This lily thrives and prospers year after year in light and fertile, well-drained soil, enriched with compost or potting soil. You can grow it with low perennial plants as it likes having its base in shade. 'Orange Pixie can be planted in a pot with other Pixie lilies (yellow, red, ivory), lobelias, verbenas, or nemesis. It can also be used in borders, in small groups among other perennials like campanulas, daylilies, nigellas, cosmos... It will also go well with compact blue or white agapanthus in full sun. Creeping phlox, aubrietas, or silver basket will cover its base in an elegant carpet. This small lily is ideal for borders and, of course, for bouquets.