Lilium Roselily Elena - Lily

The Oriental Lily 'Roselily Elena' is a variety with double flowers that belongs to the group of oriental lilies. It offers large upward-facing pink flowers, rich sugar pink with paler edges, without pollen. The centre of the flower is infused with a pale yellow halo. The fully double flowers have layers of overlapping petals and, as they are pollen-free, they last longer and have a lighter scent than simple oriental hybrids. Robust, this oriental lily blooms reliably in very well-drained and lime-free soil in a border, 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 up to form a narrow and very vertical clump. 'Roselily Elena' is a horticultural hybrid obtained by the cross-breeding of various species originating from the Far East. This plant reaches approximately 1 m in height when in flower, and the clump spreads indefinitely over time, with bulbs producing bulblets through vegetative multiplication. In August, umbels of flowers appear, directed outwards, prominently on display. They are trumpet-shaped, very wide, measuring up to 20 cm in diameter, and are 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 humus-rich, well-drained, non-calcareous soil, as excess moisture in winter can harm the bulbs. In acidic soil, their colours intensify. Partial shade, especially in the afternoon, helps prolong flowering and preserve the brightness of the flowers. For an elegant border, Lilium 'Roselily Elena' pairs well with pink, yellow, red, or white lilies, gladioli, or daylilies. Grasses and perennials around the lily help shade the ground and stabilize the stems against the weather. Oriental lilies also thrive at the edge of a copse, surrounded by small bushes like rhododendrons or azaleas, and are perfect for creating beautiful bouquets.