Lilium Roselily Mikaela - Lily

The Oriental Lily 'Roselily Mikaela' is a variety with double flowers that belongs to the group of oriental lilies. It offers large upward-facing flowers with pink colour, speckled and marked in the middle with magenta and edged in pale pink to white, 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 devoid of pollen, they last longer and have a lighter scent than simple oriental hybrids. Robust, this oriental lily blooms faithfully in very well-drained, limestone-free soil in a border, in a pot or even in a large rockery.

The genus Lillium belongs to the lily family, 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 clump. 'Roselily Mikaela' 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 bloom, and the clump spreads indefinitely over time, with bulbs producing bulblets through vegetative propagation. In August, umbels of flowers appear, facing outwards, well displayed. They are trumpet-shaped, very wide, measuring up to 20 cm 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 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 flowers' brightness. For an elegant border, the Lilium 'Roselily Mikaela' 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 woodland, surrounded by small bushes such as rhododendrons or azaleas, and are perfect for creating beautiful bouquets.