Oriental hybrid lilies are the final act of the lily season, bred from crossing several Oriental species to produce the largest, most fragrant flowers in the genus. The blooms face upward and are long lasting, which makes them exceptional cut flowers, though the fragrance can be quite strong in enclosed spaces. Lance-shaped leaves distinguish them from the broader foliage of Asiatic types, and cultivars range from one to six feet depending on selection. They extend the season into fall, with some cultivars pushing blooms well past what most summer-minded gardens expect.

Fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade suits them well, but one condition is non-negotiable: Oriental lilies will not tolerate alkaline soil. In areas with limey or chalky ground, amend generously or grow them in containers with acidic compost. Double-flowered cultivars carry no pollen and therefore attract no pollinators, so single-flowered selections are the better choice where wildlife value matters. The same pest and disease pressures apply as with other lilies: protect from lily beetles, aphids, and deer, keep cats well away, and ensure drainage is sound before planting.