Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

17 other cultivars

bulb corm tuber

Forever Susan Lily

Lilium x hybrida 'Forever Susan'

The Story

Plant Bio

The genus Lilium consists of hardy, bulbous herbaceous perennials native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, known for their upright, unbranched stems clothed in narrow, lance-shaped leaves. In early to midsummer, these stems produce showy, outward- or upward-facing flowers that are highly valued in borders and cutting gardens.

'Forever Susan' is an upright Asiatic hybrid lily distinguished by its striking upward-facing, four-inch blooms of deep burgundy-mahogany tipped and edged in bright orange-gold. This cultivar features unique modified half-anthers that reduce loose pollen shed, making it cleaner for indoor floral arrangements.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces dramatic, upward-facing burgundy and orange flowers that serve as striking focal points in summer borders.

Features modified half-anthers that shed minimal pollen, making it an excellent, non-staining cut flower.

Attracts bees and generalist insect pollinators to the garden during the midsummer blooming gap.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

40"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Consistent Moisture

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

United States (Cultivar)

Toxicity

Toxic to Cats

Bloom period

Early summer – Midsummer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with rich, organic, well-drained loamy or sandy soil.
Dig holes and plant bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep to support their stem-rooting habit.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the bulbs, maintaining consistent moisture.
Mulch the root zone to keep the soil cool and shaded while allowing the upper foliage to receive full sun.

Pro Tip

Plant bulbs four to six inches deep to anchor the stem-rooting system, and never cut back green stems immediately after flowering; leaving the foliage to yellow naturally allows the bulb to store essential energy for the next season.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the active growing and flowering periods.
Apply a balanced, slow-release organic bulb fertilizer annually in early spring.
Allow the foliage to die back and turn completely yellow in fall before cutting the stems to the ground.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during summer dormancy or post-bloom phases.
Never plant in heavy, waterlogged soils where standing water will cause the bulbs to rot.
Do not cut down green stems prematurely after flowering to tidy up the garden.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

BordersCutting GardensContainer PlantingCottage Gardens

Companion Plants

Hosta Salvia Echinacea Geranium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Forever Susan Lily questions

What zones can Forever Susan Lily grow in?

Forever Susan Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Forever Susan Lily deer resistant?

Yes — Forever Susan Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Forever Susan Lily bloom?

Forever Susan Lily typically blooms in early summer through midsummer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Forever Susan Lily need full sun?

Forever Susan Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.