Lilium Asiatic Forever Susan (Pack of 2)

• USDA Zones: 3-9 
• Bloom Time: early summer 
• Height: 18" 
• Planting depth/Spacing: 3-4"/ 4-5" 
• Deer Resistant: no 
• Sun Requirements: sun/part shade

Lilium Asiatic 'Forever Susan', renowned for its vivid, deep burgundy flowers adorned with striking gold and orange highlights, stands as a captivating addition to any garden landscape. Enriching the summer garden with a profusion of blooms, 'Forever Susan' bridges the season between spring-blooming bulbs and summer's blossoms, offering a spectacle of color and elegance. 

Planting

• Location: Select a well-drained, sunny spot in your garden for planting 'Forever Susan' Asiatic Lilies. Ensure the area receives at least six hours of sunlight daily, promoting robust growth and abundant blooming.
• Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-composted manure to enhance fertility and drainage. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (6.0-7.0), providing an optimal environment for root development.
• Spacing: Space the bulbs approximately 8-12 inches apart, allowing ample room for growth and airflow between plants. Plant the bulbs at a depth of about 6-8 inches, ensuring adequate coverage with soil.
• Timing: Plant 'Forever Susan' bulbs in the early to mid-fall, ideally before the first frost, to allow them to establish roots before winter sets in. Alternatively, they can be planted in early spring as soon as the soil becomes workable.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season, especially during dry spells or periods of drought. Water deeply to encourage deep root establishment, but avoid overwatering, as it may lead to bulb rot.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK formulation, in spring as new growth emerges. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for application rates, ensuring even distribution around the plants. Avoid fertilizing after mid-summer to prevent stimulating late-season growth susceptible to frost damage.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, around the base of the plants to conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Maintain a mulch layer of about 2-3 inches, ensuring it does not directly touch the plant stems to prevent rotting.
• Support: Depending on the cultivar's height and flower size, consider providing support, such as stakes or cages, to prevent the tall stems from bending or breaking under the weight of the blooms. Install supports early in the growing season to avoid damaging the roots or emerging shoots.

Pest and Disease Management

• Pest Control: Monitor the plants regularly for common pests such as aphids, mites, and lily beetles. Handpick or use insecticidal soap to control minor infestations, ensuring to follow the product's instructions for safe and effective application.
• Disease Prevention: Prevent fungal diseases such as botrytis blight and lily mosaic virus by practicing good sanitation habits. Remove and dispose of any infected plant debris promptly, and avoid overhead watering to minimize moisture on foliage, which can promote disease development.
• Bulb Storage: Lift and store 'Forever Susan' bulbs in late fall if you reside in regions with harsh winters, where the ground freezes solid. Dig up the bulbs carefully after the foliage has withered, and store them in a cool, dry location until the following planting season.

Harvesting and Display

• Timing: Harvest 'Forever Susan' blooms for cut flowers when the buds have just started to open but are not fully mature. Cut the stems early in the morning or late in the evening when they are most hydrated, using sharp, clean shears to prevent crushing or damaging the stems.
• Vase Life: Place the freshly cut lily stems in a clean vase filled with lukewarm water mixed with floral preservative. Remove any foliage that would be submerged in the water to prevent bacterial growth and change the water every two days to prolong the flowers' vase life.
• Display Tips: Arrange 'Forever Susan' blooms in floral arrangements or bouquets, pairing them with complementary colors or contrasting textures for visually stunning displays. Keep the vase away from direct sunlight and drafts to maintain the flowers' freshness and longevity.

Cultivating Lilium Asiatic 'Forever Susan' enriches the garden with its captivating beauty and vibrant colors, serving as a focal point in summer landscapes. By following proper planting techniques, providing adequate care and maintenance, and implementing pest and disease management strategies, gardeners can enjoy a bountiful display of 'Forever Susan' blooms year after year, enhancing the allure of their outdoor spaces.

Cannot ship to the following states: HI, AK, PR, VI, GU

Shipping Weight: 1.0 lb

Dimensions: 8.0"L x 4.0"W x 4.0"H

• Attracts Bees/Butterflies
• Container Compatible
• Good Cut Flower