Lilium Oriental Trumpet – Corcovado – 3 bulbs p-pack

Lilium Oriental Trumpet ‘Corcovado’ is a gorgeous hybrid lily known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers often with a faint fragrance. These lilies are a striking addition to gardens, especially as they bloom in mid-summer and are perfect for cut flower arrangements. The Corcovado variety is an ideal choice for gardens in South Africa, where they can thrive with proper care.

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1. Best Growing Conditions

✅ Climate:

• Thrives in moderate to temperate climates, making it suitable for regions like Western Cape, Gauteng, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal.

• Can tolerate light frost, but prefers mild winters and cool spring/summer temperatures.

• Suitable for coastal and inland areas with moderate climates.

✅ Sunlight:

• Prefers full sun to partial shade.

• Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.

• In warmer regions, afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent excessive heat stress.

✅ Soil Requirements:

• Prefers well-draining, loamy soil with plenty of organic matter.

• pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

• Ensure the soil is fertile but well-drained to prevent waterlogging and bulb rot.

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2. Planting Lilium Oriental Trumpet Bulbs

✅ Best Planting Time:

• Autumn (April–May) or early spring (August–September) for mid to late summer flowering (December–February).

✅ Depth & Spacing:

• Plant bulbs 15–20 cm deep and 20–30 cm apart.

• This depth helps the lilies grow strong stems and flowers.

• Spacing is important for airflow to prevent fungal issues and encourage healthy growth.

✅ Container Growing:

• Can be grown in large, deep pots (30 cm or more) with well-draining soil.

• Use a potting mix that retains moisture but doesn’t stay soggy.

• Ensure the container has adequate drainage holes.

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3. Watering & Care

✅ Watering:

• Water regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil.

• Watering should be reduced after flowering, as the plant enters dormancy in late summer or early autumn.

• Ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging, which can cause bulb rot.

✅ Fertilizing:

• At planting: Use a slow-release bulb fertilizer with a balanced nutrient profile (e.g., 10-10-10 or 5-10-10).

• During growth: Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to promote strong growth and vibrant blooms.

• After flowering: Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer to encourage strong bulb formation for the next season.

✅ Mulching:

• Mulch with a 5 cm layer of organic material (compost, bark, straw) to help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Mulch also helps suppress weeds and keeps the roots cool in summer.

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4. Flowering & Dormancy

✅ Bloom Time:

• Blooms in mid to late summer (December–February).

• Large, trumpet-shaped flowers with a mild fragrance.

✅ After Flowering Care:

• Deadhead spent flowers to prevent energy going into seed production and encourage better bulb growth.

• Allow foliage to die back naturally to store energy in the bulb for the next season’s growth.

• Reduce watering once the plant enters dormancy in late autumn or winter.

✅ Lifting & Storing Bulbs (Optional):

• In areas with wet winters, you may choose to lift the bulbs after they have gone dormant and store them in a cool, dry place (10-12°C) until replanting in autumn.

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5. Staking & Support

✅ Support Needed:

• Corcovado lilies grow tall (1.2–1.5 meters), so they may require some support.

• Use bamboo stakes or plant supports to keep stems upright and prevent them from toppling, especially in windy conditions.

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6. Pests & Diseases

✅ Common Pests:

• Aphids, thrips, and lily beetles are common pests.

• Control aphids and thrips using neem oil or insecticidal soap.

• Remove lily beetles by hand or treat with organic insecticides.

✅ Disease Issues:

• Botrytis (Grey Mold) – This fungal disease can be controlled by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

• Bulb rot – Prevent by ensuring well-draining soil and not overwatering, particularly during dormancy.

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7. Propagation

✅ By Bulbs (Easiest Method):

• Over time, bulbs produce offsets (small bulbs) that can be separated and replanted in autumn.

✅ By Scales (Advanced Method):

• Large bulbs can be scaled (removing the outer layers) and planted in a moist, well-drained medium to grow new bulbs.

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8. Companion Planting

• Pairs well with Freesias, Astilbes, Hostas, and Alliums.

• Ideal for cut flower gardens, borders, and containers.

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Conclusion

Lilium Oriental Trumpet ‘Corcovado’ is a beautiful and fragrant lily. With its easy-to-grow nature, full sun, and proper care (including well-drained soil, consistent watering, and regular fertilization), you’ll enjoy these stunning flowers year after year. 🌸