Lilium Oriental ‘Zambesi’ (White) – 3 Bulbs

‘Zambesi’ is a stunning Oriental lily with large, fragrant white blooms. Perfect for adding elegance and fragrance to your garden or as a cut flower.

Lilium Oriental Trumpet ‘Zambesi’ – Planting & Care Guide

Add height, fragrance, and elegance to your summer garden with this striking hybrid lily.

Lilium Oriental Trumpet ‘Zambesi’ is a tall, statuesque lily producing large, trumpet-shaped blooms in soft, creamy white with a delicate fragrance. A favourite for garden beds, large containers, and cut flower arrangements, ‘Zambesi’ is easy to grow and a dramatic focal point in any garden.

1. Best Growing Conditions

Climate:

• Thrives in cool to temperate regions with mild to moderate summers

• Perfect for Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal

• Tolerates light frost and requires a cool winter dormancy to flower successfully

☀️ Sunlight:

• Prefers full sun to partial shade (minimum 6 hours of sun daily)

• Afternoon shade is helpful in warmer coastal regions

Soil Requirements:

• Rich, well-draining loamy or sandy soil enriched with compost

• pH range: 6.0–6.8 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Improve heavy clay soils with compost and coarse sand for proper drainage

2. Planting Lilium ‘Zambesi’ Bulbs

When to Plant:

• Autumn (April–May) or Early Spring (August–September)

• Blooms from December to February

Depth & Spacing:

• Plant bulbs 15–20 cm deep and 25–30 cm apart

• Deep planting encourages strong stems and cool root zones

Container Planting:

• Use deep pots (30–40 cm) with drainage holes

• Fill with a well-draining potting mix and keep the bulbs evenly spaced

3. Watering & Feeding

Watering:

• Keep soil evenly moist during active growth

• Avoid soggy conditions to prevent bulb rot

• Reduce watering once plants go dormant post-bloom

Fertilizing:

• At planting: Use a slow-release bulb fertilizer (e.g. 5-10-10)

• During growth: Feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser

• After flowering: Switch to a potassium-rich fertiliser to strengthen bulbs for next season

Mulching:

• Apply a 5 cm mulch layer (bark, compost, or straw) to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

4. Flowering & Dormancy

Bloom Time:

• Flowers appear in mid to late summer (December–February)

• Produces large, upward-facing trumpet blooms with a sweet fragrance

Post-Bloom Care:

• Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed formation

• Allow leaves to yellow and die back naturally—do not cut them prematurely

• Reduce watering as plants enter dormancy

Lifting Bulbs (Optional):

• In wet-winter areas, lift bulbs after dormancy

• Store in a cool, dry place (10–12°C) until replanting in autumn

5. Support & Staking

Height:

• Mature plants reach 1.2–1.5 metres

• Use bamboo stakes or plant supports if stems begin to lean

6. Pests & Diseases

Common Pests:

• Aphids, thrips, and lily beetles

• Control pests with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or manual removal

Disease Management:

• Botrytis (grey mould): Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering

• Bulb rot: Ensure excellent drainage and avoid waterlogged soils

7. Propagation

By Bulb Offsets:

• Mature bulbs form offsets (baby bulbs) that can be divided and replanted in autumn

By Scaling (Advanced):

• Outer scales of large bulbs can be removed and rooted in moist compost to form new bulbs

8. Companion Planting

Pairs beautifully with:

• Freesias, Gladiolus, Astilbes, Hostas

• Ideal for cut flower gardens, borders, or statement pots

Summary: Why Grow Lilium ‘Zambesi’?

✅ Elegant, fragrant flowers that make a dramatic summer display
✅ Tall and architectural, great for vertical interest
✅ Low-maintenance, with excellent results in the right conditions
✅ Perfect for South African gardens when planted in autumn or spring