Lis oriental Roselily Viola - Lily

The Oriental Lily 'Roselily Viola' is a variety with double flowers that belongs to the group of oriental lilies. It offers large dark pink, speckled and marked with reddish pink at the centre of each petal. The flower's heart is infused with yellow. 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 with multiple petals blooms faithfully in very well-drained soil and free of limestone in a border, in a pot or even in a large rockery.

The genus Lillium belongs to the family Liliaceae, its representatives are bulbous plants whose deciduous vegetation disappears in winter. In spring, leafy stems emerge from the ground, rising to form a narrow and very vertical clump. 'Roselily Viola' is a horticultural hybrid obtained by cross-breeding various species originating from the Far East. This plant reaches about 1m in height when in flower, and the clump spreads indefinitely over time, with the bulbs producing bulblets through vegetative multiplication. In 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 strong, 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 winter moisture can harm the bulbs. In acidic soil, their colours intensify. Partial shade, especially in the afternoon, helps to extend the flowering period and preserve the brightness of the flowers. For an elegant border, the Lilium 'Roselily Viola' pairs well with red, yellow or white lilies, gladioli or daylilies. Grasses and perennials around the lily help to shade the ground and stabilise the stems against the weather. Oriental lilies also thrive at the edge of a woodland, surrounded by small bushes like rhododendrons or azaleas, and are perfect for creating beautiful bouquets.