Lillium Forever Suzan

Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ is a real head-turner—an eye-catching Asiatic lily with rich, velvety orange-red petals dramatically tipped and splashed with deep chocolate-burgundy. Each stem carries multiple upward-facing blooms, creating a bold, exotic display that looks amazing in borders, patio pots and summer cut-flower arrangements. Asiatic lilies are especially valued for their strong garden performance: they’re hardy, reliable, and flower freely, returning year after year when planted in well-drained soil.

As well as being a showy garden feature, ‘Forever Susan’ is brilliant for adding instant colour to mixed planting schemes. Its fiery tones pair beautifully with hot-colour borders, but it also looks stunning against cooler companions like blues and purples (think Salvias and Nepeta) or with silvery foliage that makes the colours glow. Another bonus—Asiatic lilies are generally unscented, making them a great choice for patios and for anyone who prefers lilies without strong perfume.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant lily bulbs in autumn or spring, when the soil is cool and workable. Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

Where to Plant:
Choose a spot in full sun or light shade with well-drained soil. Lilies like their heads in the sun and their roots cool—plant amongst low-growing perennials or add a light mulch to shade the soil. Ideal for mixed borders, cutting gardens, and large containers.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant bulbs about 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) deep (roughly 2–3 times the bulb’s height).
• Spacing: Space 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) apart, or plant in small groups for a stronger display.
• Soil Prep: Improve the soil with garden compost. If your soil is heavy, mix in grit to improve drainage.

Watering:
Water well after planting. Keep the soil evenly moist during active growth, especially in dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. Container-grown lilies may need more regular watering.

Aftercare Tips:

• Stake stems if grown in exposed sites or containers.
• Remove spent flowers, but leave the stems and foliage to die back naturally to feed the bulb.
• Cut stems down only when the foliage has fully yellowed.
• Watch for lily beetle in spring and summer and remove if seen.

Top Tip:
For a really striking display, plant ‘Forever Susan’ in groups of 3–5 bulbs and weave through grasses or perennials. It’s also excellent in pots—use free-draining compost and don’t let containers dry out in summer.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
June - August (depending on season and conditions)

Height:
32–40" (80–100cm)

Position:
Full sun / light shade

Type:
Hardy bulb (Asiatic lily)