Name: ‘Apricot Fudge’ L/A Hybrid Lily
Brand: Van Noort
SKU: VAN-335-118-09
Price: 5.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Sale Sold out

‘Apricot Fudge’ L/A hybrid lily in bloom, showing double apricot-orange flowers shaped like small roses, with short folded tepals and chocolate-brown stamens

Ornamental bulbs Liliaceae

Ornamental bulbs

Van Noort

Lilium

From bulb to bloom

Common name‘Apricot Fudge’ L/A hybrid lily

FamilyLiliaceae

GenusLilium

CultivarApricot Fudge

Bulb typeOrnamental bulbs

Botanical nameLilium

Quantity per pack1 bulb

‘Apricot Fudge’ L/A Hybrid Lily (Lilium ‘Apricot Fudge’) stands out for double apricot-orange flowers that resemble small roses. Short folded tepals create a tightly cupped bloom, while chocolate-brown stamens emphasize its unusual character. This Longiflorum-Asiatic hybrid carries fragrant upward-facing flowers on an upright stem approximately 110 cm tall and 40 cm wide. The Van Noort package contains one size 16/18 bulb. Summer flowering suits borders, cutting gardens, and substantial containers, where the warm peach colouring coordinates easily with blue, violet, white, burgundy, or silver companions. Narrow green leaves frame the vertical stem without hiding the sculptural flowers.

Plant the bulb in spring with its point upward, 15 cm deep, then allow 30 cm between plants. 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. Thin mulch or low perennials keep the base cool. Van Noort confirms Zone 4, suitability for Zones 4 to 10, 110 cm height, 40 cm spread, and upright habit. Discreet support may protect the stem in a windy position. Mark the planting spot so the dormant bulb remains protected during later garden work.

In spring, protect the emerging shoot from slugs and inspect both sides of the foliage 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.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

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

Planting and establishment

Planting guide

Planting & establishment

Spacing / density

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

Planting period

In spring, after the risk of frost has passed

Propagation

Separation of offsets during dormancy; commercial propagation is protected

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 15 cm deep, firm gently, and water deeply. If several bulbs are planted, allow 30 cm between them. Keep soil moist during rooting, never saturated. Install discreet support before the stem lengthens in a windy position. Protect the emerging shoot from slugs and check regularly for scarlet lily beetles, larvae, and eggs. During flowering, water at soil level and cut a stem only while 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 planting spot. Wear gloves and keep the bulb, pollen, flowers, and debris away from cats. Mark the position so the dormant bulb is 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

Moisture

Evenly moist but drained soil during growth, drier in dormancy

Care level

Easy

Watering

Water deeply after planting, then maintain even moisture during rooting, growth, and bud formation. Allow the surface to dry slightly between applications and irrigate at soil level in the morning. Containers need more frequent checks, but always empty their saucers. Reduce water as foliage yellows and avoid saturation during winter dormancy. Deep watering encourages stronger roots than frequent superficial sprinkling and helps all one bulb establish evenly.

Soil type

Fertile, humus-rich, moist, and very well-drained soil is best. Asiatic lilies tolerate several textures when water drains promptly. Loosen the ground deeply and add mature compost. In clay soil, use a raised bed or improve the complete planting volume. Avoid small pockets of potting mix surrounded by clay because they may hold water around bulbs. A slightly acidic to neutral reaction supports healthy roots, but dependable drainage matters more than exact soil texture.

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 and keep granules away from bulbs. Stop feeding after flowering and allow foliage to rebuild reserves. Water after every fertilizer application so nutrients move into the root zone without concentrating against tender tissue.

Seasonal care

In early spring, gradually remove excess mulch and locate the new shoot before working the border. Protect it from slugs and 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 weekly for scarlet lily beetles, orange eggs, and larvae. Remove them by hand and check neighbouring lilies as well. The 110 cm stem may need discreet support in a windy position; install it before developing buds become heavy. Remove faded blooms and developing pods, then retain the complete green stem. After full yellowing, cut it at ground level and remove diseased tissue. In fall, verify that water does not collect around the bulb. Add light mulch after the ground freezes in exposed locations. Divide the clump only when offsets become crowded or flowering declines. Label the position and keep every discarded part beyond the reach of cats. During bud formation, monitor dry heat and water deeply when soil dries beneath the surface. After heavy rain, verify garden or container drainage and empty any water retained in a saucer. If spotting or decline appears, remove only affected tissue with a clean tool and keep it out of compost. The following spring, assess shoot vigour before adding fertilizer. Maintain open airflow around the stem and avoid covering emerging growth with late mulch or neighbouring foliage.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

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

Use a substantial heavy container holding at least 20 to 25 litres and measuring 35 cm deep, with several drainage holes. Fill it with fertile, airy potting mix enriched with compost. Set the bulb in the centre with its point upward, 15 cm deep. For several bulbs, choose a wider pot and allow approximately 30 cm between them. Position the container in sun or bright partial shade. Water deeply, always empty the saucer, and repeat when the surface begins drying. Feed lightly at emergence and early bud formation. The 110 cm stem may need support secured to the container, particularly on a windy patio. Remove faded flowers but retain every leaf until yellowing. In cold regions, move the dormant pot to an unheated position where it remains cold without extreme freeze-thaw cycles. Keep the mix barely moist and protect it from excessive winter rain. In spring, renew the upper layer, check drainage, and return the pot outdoors gradually. Repot when offsets become crowded. Label the cultivar throughout dormancy and always keep the container, pollen, and flowers completely beyond the reach of cats. Rotate the pot gradually for balanced light and leave enough space around it for airflow and pest inspections.

Growth and flowering

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 and slender

Fragrance

Subtle fragrance

Bloom period

Summer flowering, generally from early to midsummer once the bulb is established. ‘Apricot Fudge’ carries fragrant, upward-facing double apricot-orange flowers. Their short folded tepals create the appearance of a small rose around chocolate-brown stamens. The stem reaches approximately 110 cm. Exact timing varies with climate, planting date, and bulb establishment. Remove faded blooms and developing pods, but retain every green leaf until natural yellowing so it can replenish the bulb. Provide discreet support before buds become heavy when the plant grows in a windy or partly shaded position.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Combine ‘Apricot Fudge’ with hardy geraniums, catmint, heucheras, bellflowers, white yarrow, violet-blue sage, and fine grasses. These plants appreciate sun or bright partial shade and drained soil while leaving the double apricot flowers clearly visible. White, burgundy, violet-blue, or silver tones create balanced contrast with the warm peach colouring. Keep an open circle around the new shoot for monitoring slugs and scarlet lily beetles. Avoid aggressively dividing neighbouring perennials near the dormant bulb. Small ornamental alliums can also provide a contrasting rounded form in early summer without competing for the same visual space.

Garden use

Place ‘Apricot Fudge’ in the middle of a border, approximately 30 cm from neighbouring bulbs. Surround it with lower perennials such as hardy geraniums, catmint, heucheras, and bellflowers that cool the base without hiding flowers. White yarrow, violet-blue sage, and fine grasses emphasize the apricot colouring. In a rock garden, choose a deep pocket of enriched soil instead of thin, dry ground. In a container, position the bulb near a patio where upward-facing flowers and fragrance are easy to enjoy, but only beyond the reach of cats. Cut one stem for an arrangement in a cat-free household while retaining as many leaves as possible. After bloom, remove faded flowers while preserving green foliage. Thin mulch steadies moisture. Keep the planting spot labelled during dormancy. For a fuller display, repeat several bulbs at 30 cm intervals in irregular groups instead of a crowded row. Keep the emerging shoot visible so slugs and scarlet lily beetles remain easy to detect. Water at the base to keep flowers clean and reduce splashing on leaves. When offsets thicken the clump, divide it during dormancy and return firm sections to their original depth. The warm flower colour creates a natural bridge between white, burgundy, blue, violet, and silver planting partners.

Frequently asked questions

How should an Apricot Fudge lily bulb be planted?

Plant the bulb in spring when soil is workable. Choose sun or bright partial shade and fertile, humus-rich, moist, very well-drained soil. Set the point upward 15 cm deep. If planting several bulbs, allow 30 cm between them. Water deeply to settle the soil, then maintain even moisture without standing water. Install discreet support at planting in a windy position and mark the location to protect the bulb during dormancy. Thin mulch keeps the base cool but must never trap water over the bulb. Keep the new shoot visible so slugs and scarlet lily beetles can be detected promptly. Avoid placing concentrated fertilizer directly against the bulb scales during planting, because it can damage tender roots and tissues.

Can Apricot Fudge lily grow in a container?

Yes, in a substantial heavy, deep, very well-drained container. Choose a pot holding at least 20 to 25 litres and measuring 35 cm deep, with several drainage holes. Set the bulb in the centre with its point upward, 15 cm deep. Position the pot in sun or bright partial shade. Water deeply, always empty the saucer, and feed lightly at emergence and early bud formation. The 110 cm stem may need support secured to the container. Retain all foliage until it yellows. In winter, protect the pot from extreme freeze-thaw cycles while keeping the mix barely moist. Keep the complete container, flowers, and fallen pollen entirely beyond the reach of cats throughout growth and dormancy.

Is Apricot Fudge lily hardy in colder Canadian regions?

Van Noort lists ‘Apricot Fudge’ as Zone 4 and suitable for Zones 4 to 10. The bulbs can therefore overwinter in the ground across many cold Canadian regions regions when drainage is excellent. Avoid hollows where water collects during thaws. Wait until the ground freezes before adding light mulch in exposed locations, then remove it gradually in spring. In a container, roots are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations; move the dormant pot to a cold, unheated position that limits extreme freeze-thaw cycles. Keep the mix barely moist and label the container throughout dormancy. Mark every position before winter so dormant bulbs are not damaged during spring garden work.

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. Early detection preserves the foliage bulbs need to rebuild reserves. Keep the ground beneath tall stems visible enough to notice dropped adults and damaged leaves. Clean the tool afterwards and wash your hands before handling other plants. Continue checks after flowering while foliage remains active and important to the bulbs.

Why is Apricot Fudge dangerous to cats?

‘Apricot Fudge’ belongs to the genus Lilium, every part of which is extremely dangerous to cats. Leaves, flowers, stems, bulbs, and even small amounts of pollen can cause severe kidney injury; water from a vase containing lilies is also hazardous. Keep plants completely beyond reach and do not rely on a high shelf because pollen may fall. 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 no symptoms are visible. Prompt treatment is essential, so do not wait for illness to develop.