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‘African Lady’ O/T hybrid lily in bloom, showing exceptionally large raspberry-red flowers with creamy-yellow edges, greenish-yellow throats, and several small purplish-red spots

Ornamental bulbs Liliaceae

Ornamental bulbs

Van Noort

‘African Lady’ O/T Hybrid Lily

Name: ‘African Lady’ O/T Hybrid Lily
Brand: Van Noort
SKU: van-335-122-10
Price: 5.49 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Lilium

‘African Lady’ O/T hybrid lily carries exceptionally large fragrant raspberry-red flowers edged creamy yellow to apricot and brightened by greenish-yellow throats. The package contains one size 16/18 bulb for spring planting with its point upward, 15 cm deep. Van Noort confirms July and August flowering, 120 cm height, 40 cm spread, Zone 3, and suitability for Zones 3 to 9. Choose full sun or bright partial shade and fertile, moist, very well-drained soil. This cultivar suits borders, substantial containers, and arrangements. Every plant part, pollen, and vase water is extremely dangerous to cats and must remain completely inaccessible.

Sold as 1 bulb

5 ⁴⁹$

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Common name‘African Lady’ O/T hybrid lily

FamilyLiliaceae

GenusLilium

CultivarAfrican Lady

TypeOrnamental bulbs

Botanical nameLilium

‘African Lady’ O/T Hybrid Lily (Lilium ‘African Lady’) produces exceptionally large fragrant raspberry-red flowers edged creamy yellow to apricot. A greenish-yellow throat brightens the centre, several small purplish-red spots add detail, and the outer tepals become deeper in colour. This Oriental-Trumpet hybrid forms a vigorous upright stem approximately 120 cm tall and 40 cm wide. The retail package contains one size 16/18 bulb. July and August flowering suits borders, fragrant gardens, cutting gardens, and substantial containers. Narrow green foliage emphasizes the vertical silhouette, while the warm red-and-yellow palette coordinates readily with blue, violet, white, burgundy, or silver companion plants.

Plant the bulb in spring with its point upward, 15 cm deep. For several plants, allow 30 to 60 cm according to the desired effect. Choose full sun or bright partial shade in fertile, humus-rich, moist, very well-drained soil. Water deeply after planting, then maintain even moisture without allowing water to stand. Low perennials or thin mulch keep the base cool. Install discreet support early in positions exposed to wind. Van Noort confirms 120 cm height, 40 cm spread, Zone 3, and suitability for Zones 3 to 9. Mark the position so the dormant bulb remains protected during seasonal garden work.

In spring, protect the emerging shoot from slugs and inspect both sides of the foliage regularly for scarlet lily beetles, eggs, and larvae. Remove them by hand whenever practical. After flowering, cut only faded blooms and developing pods. Retain the complete stem and every green leaf so they can replenish the bulb, then cut them to ground level after natural yellowing. For an arrangement, harvest one stem when its first bud opens and leave as many leaves as possible on the plant. Every part of a true lily, including the bulb, pollen, and vase water, is extremely dangerous to cats. Keep plants and bouquets completely inaccessible and contact a veterinarian immediately after possible exposure.

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Bulbous perennial
Hardiness: Zones 4 to 8

Planting guide

Sowing & germination

Spacing / density

space plants or bulbs 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.).

Best planting time

In spring, after the risk of frost has passed

Propagation

Separation of offsets during dormancy; seedlings are not true to the cultivar

Growing method

Unpack the bulb upon arrival and plant it promptly when it is firm and healthy. Choose a permanent position in sun or bright partial shade. Loosen soil to 25 or 30 cm and incorporate mature compost without creating a moisture-holding layer beneath the bulb. Set the point upward approximately 15 cm deep, then allow 30 to 40 cm of space. Firm gently and water deeply. Keep soil moist during rooting, never saturated. Install discreet support before the stem lengthens in windy positions. Protect shoots from slugs and check regularly for scarlet lily beetles, larvae, and eggs. During flowering, water at soil level and cut only several stems, retaining as many leaves as possible. After bloom, remove faded flowers and pods but keep the complete green stem. Reduce watering as foliage yellows, then cut it to ground level once fully dry. Add light mulch after the ground freezes in exposed locations without trapping moisture over the bulb. Wear gloves and keep pollen, flowers, and debris away from cats. Mark the planting position so dormant bulbs are not damaged during later garden work. The following spring, wait until the shoot is clearly visible before cultivating near the label, then resume watering according to actual soil moisture.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

pH 6.0 to 7.5

Care level

Easy

Watering

Water deeply after planting, then keep soil evenly moist during rooting, growth, and bud formation. Allow the surface to dry slightly between applications and irrigate at ground level in the morning. An established plant prefers less frequent deep watering to small superficial applications. Reduce water after foliage yellows and avoid winter saturation. Containers need more frequent checks, but their saucers must be emptied promptly so the bulb never remains in standing water.

Soil type

Fertile, humus-rich, moist, and very well-drained soil is best. O/T lilies appreciate loose compost-enriched loam, generally slightly acidic to neutral. Loosen the area deeply for rooting and avoid hollows where water collects. In clay ground, use a raised bed or improve the complete planting volume instead of setting the bulb in a small pocket of potting mix. Good drainage is especially important during winter and spring thaw because persistent saturation encourages bulb rot.

Fertilization

Blend mature compost into the soil before planting. In spring, apply balanced or bulb fertilizer according to its label as shoots emerge, then again at early bud formation when soil is poor. Avoid excessive nitrogen because it produces soft stems. Stop feeding after flowering and allow foliage to rebuild reserves naturally. Keep fertilizer granules away from direct contact with the bulb and water the area after application.

Moisture

Evenly moist but drained soil during growth, drier during dormancy

Seasonal care

In early spring, remove excess mulch and locate new shoots before working the border. Protect them from slugs and install discreet support. Add a thin compost layer without deeply burying the bulb area. During growth, water at ground level when the surface begins drying. Inspect both sides of leaves several times each week for red lily beetles, eggs, and larvae. Remove them by hand and avoid treatments on open flowers. As buds form, secure the stem to its support with a soft tie. Cut faded flowers before pods develop, but retain every green leaf. After complete yellowing, cut the stem at ground level and remove diseased tissue. In fall, verify that water does not collect around the bulb. In very exposed locations, add light mulch after the ground freezes and remove it gradually in spring. Divide a clump only when flowering declines or stems become crowded. Handle pollen carefully and keep every discarded part beyond the reach of cats. Record the planting position so dormant bulbs remain protected during seasonal cleanup and nearby planting. Also monitor dry heat while buds develop: deep watering helps flowers open normally. After heavy rain, check the ties and empty any collected water from containers. If a stem develops unusual spotting or rapid decline, remove only affected tissue with a clean tool and keep it out of compost. The following spring, observe the vigour of new growth before adding fertilizer. Replace support ties that have tightened around the stem and maintain open airflow between neighbouring plants throughout the season.

Container growing

Recommended pot size

container at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in.) deep, with drainage

Choose a heavy container of at least 35 to 45 L and 40 cm depth with several drainage holes. Fill it with fertile, airy potting mix enriched with compost, then set one bulb approximately 15 cm deep. Keep the point upward and preserve ample space for root development. Position the pot in sun or bright partial shade and add support at planting. Water deeply, always empty the saucer, and repeat when the surface begins drying. Feed lightly at emergence and early bud formation. Remove faded flowers but retain the stem and leaves until they yellow. In cold regions, move the dormant container to an unheated position where it remains cold without extreme freeze-thaw cycles. Keep the mix barely moist during dormancy. Repot only when the substrate compacts or offsets become crowded. Keep the pot completely away from cats, including when the plant is moved or flowers are cut. Rotate the container gradually during growth so the tall stem remains balanced without abrupt changes in light. Protect the pot from strong winds and raise it slightly so drainage holes remain open. In spring, renew the upper potting layer, inspect emerging growth, and return the container outdoors gradually after very cold nights have passed. Check support stability before buds enlarge because the mature flowering stem becomes top-heavy. A surface label should identify the cultivar throughout dormancy.

Bloom and dimensions

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

about 120 cm (47 in.)

Width / spread

10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in.)

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Deciduous foliage that becomes dormant after flowering

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Upright, vigorous, and tall

Fragrance

Subtle fragrance

Bloom period

July and August flowering once the bulb is established. ‘African Lady’ carries exceptionally large fragrant outward-facing flowers with raspberry-red tepals, creamy-yellow or apricot margins, greenish-yellow throats, and several small purplish-red spots. The stem reaches approximately 120 cm. Exact timing varies with climate, planting date, and bulb establishment. A new planting may produce fewer flowers in its first season. Remove only faded blooms and retain every green leaf until natural yellowing so it can replenish the bulb. Support the tall stem before the buds become heavy, especially in exposed gardens or substantial containers.

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Combine ‘African Lady’ with catmint, hardy geraniums, heucheras, phlox, yarrow, coneflowers, and fine grasses. These companions appreciate sun and drained soil while gently concealing the lily’s base. White, violet-blue, purple, or cream flowers balance its raspberry red colouring. Keep an open circle around emerging shoots so slugs and scarlet lily beetles remain visible. Avoid aggressively dividing neighbouring plants near the dormant bulb. Spring bulbs may share the area when their placement leaves enough room for the lily’s deeper roots. Late ornamental alliums add a contrasting rounded form without hiding the principal flowers.

Garden use

Middle or back border, fragrant garden, cutting garden, and substantial heavy container. The 120 cm stem places large bicoloured flowers near eye level, while the 40 cm spread maintains a narrow silhouette. Install discreet support in windy sites. For an arrangement, cut one stem as its first bud opens and retain as many leaves as possible. The plant, pollen, and vase water must remain completely beyond the reach of cats. Its raspberry-red and creamy-yellow palette creates an effective focal point among blue, violet, white, burgundy, or silver companions.

Frequently asked questions

How should an African Lady lily bulb be planted?

Plant the bulb in spring when soil is workable. Choose full sun or bright partial shade in fertile, humus-rich, very well-drained soil. Set the point upward approximately 15 cm deep and allow 30 to 40 cm around the plant. Water deeply to settle the soil, then maintain even moisture without standing water. Install discreet support at planting in windy positions. Mark the location to protect the bulb during dormancy. A thin mulch keeps the base cool but must never trap water over the bulb. Keep emerging shoots visible so slugs and scarlet lily beetles can be detected promptly. Avoid placing concentrated fertilizer directly against the bulb scales during planting.

Is African Lady lily hardy in colder Canadian regions?

Van Noort lists ‘African Lady’ as Zone 3 and suitable for Zones 3 to 9. The bulb can therefore overwinter in the ground across many cold Canadian regions regions when drainage is excellent. Wait until the ground freezes before adding light mulch in exposed locations, then remove it gradually in spring. Above all, avoid hollows where water collects during thaws and snowmelt. In a container, roots face greater temperature fluctuations; move the dormant pot to a cold, unheated, protected position that avoids extreme freeze-thaw cycles. Keep the mix barely moist rather than saturated throughout dormancy. A durable label identifies its exact location before the spring shoot becomes visible.

How should the lily be cared for after flowering?

Remove faded flowers and developing pods so the bulb does not spend reserves producing seeds. Retain the complete stem and every green leaf because they create energy for the following display. Continue deep watering during dry periods, then reduce applications as foliage yellows. Cut the stem at ground level only after it becomes fully dry. Remove diseased tissue and verify that the position remains drained through fall. Avoid lifting the bulb every year; divide the clump only when stems become crowded or flowering declines. Mark the dormant position so later garden work does not damage the bulb. This patience is essential for maintaining a vigorous bulb over several seasons.

How can scarlet lily beetles be controlled?

Inspect emerging shoots and both sides of leaves several times weekly beginning in spring. Adult scarlet lily beetles are bright red; orange eggs occur beneath leaves, and larvae cover themselves with dark debris. Remove adults, eggs, and larvae by hand, then place them in a closed container. Check neighbouring lilies because the insect moves readily between plants. Avoid insecticides on open flowers to protect pollinators. Severely damaged foliage can weaken the bulb, so early detection is more effective than action after defoliation. Keep the ground beneath stems visible enough to notice dropped adults and damaged leaves. Clean the tool afterwards and wash your hands before handling other plants.

Why is African Lady dangerous to cats?

Every part of a true lily in the genus Lilium is extremely dangerous to cats. Leaves, flowers, stems, bulbs, and even small amounts of pollen can cause severe kidney injury; water from a vase holding lilies is also hazardous. Keep ‘African Lady’ completely beyond reach and do not rely on a high shelf because pollen may fall or be transferred. In a household with a cat, leave flowers in an inaccessible outdoor area and never bring a bouquet inside. If exposure is possible, contact a veterinarian immediately even when the cat does not yet show symptoms. Prompt treatment is essential, so do not wait for visible illness.

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