Lilium Frontera - Lily

The Hybrid Lily 'Frontera' is a variety with single flowers that belongs to the group of oriental lilies. With 2 to 4 candle-like buds per floral stem, it produces pink flowers, of a soft pink marked with a dark pink central band and lightly speckled in the same colour. They are fragrant, with brown anthers and a green heart. Robust, this oriental lily blooms faithfully in very well-drained soil devoid of limestone in a flower bed, in a pot or even in a large rockery.

The genus Lilium belongs to the family of Liliaceae, its representatives are bulbous plants whose deciduous vegetation disappears in winter. In spring, leafy stems emerge from the ground, rising and forming a narrow and very vertical tuft. 'Frontera' is a horticultural hybrid obtained by cross-breeding various species originating from the Far East. This plant reaches approximately 1m to 1.20m in height when in bloom, and the clump spreads indefinitely over time, with the bulbs producing bulbils through vegetative multiplication. At the end of July, beginning of August, umbels of flowers appear, facing outwards, well displayed. They are trumpet-shaped, very wide, measuring up to 20cm in diameter, and are very pleasantly fragrant. The stems are sturdy, covered with alternate, dark green, shiny, lanceolate leaves.

Oriental lilies require specific conditions to thrive, slightly more demanding than those of Asian lilies. They appreciate a rich humus soil, well-drained and non-calcareous, as excess moisture in winter can harm the bulbs. In acidic soil, their colours intensify. Partial shade, especially in the afternoon, helps extend the flowering period and preserve the brightness of the flowers. For an elegant flower bed, the Lilium 'Frontera' pairs well with pink or white lilies, gladioli or daylilies. Grasses and perennials around the lily help shade the ground and stabilize the stems against inclement weather. Oriental lilies also thrive at the edge of a grove, surrounded by small bushes such as rhododendrons or azaleas, and are perfect for creating beautiful bouquets.