How to Grow Oriental Hybrid Lily 'Mona Lisa'

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Oriental Hybrid Lily 'Mona Lisa'

Lilium 'Mona Lisa'

flower

Mona Lisa is a stunning Oriental hybrid lily known for its large, fragrant, deep pink flowers with white edges and prominent stamens. These perennial bulbs produce tall stems with multiple blooms and are prized for their dramatic appearance and intoxicating fragrance. They make excellent cut flowers and garden focal points.

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Example Oriental Hybrid Lily 'Mona Lisa' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Oriental Hybrid Lily 'Mona Lisa'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Oriental Hybrid Lily 'Mona Lisa' blooms
Around Aug 15

≈ 120 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Oriental Hybrid Lily 'Mona Lisa' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering

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Water: Keep soil evenly moist during growing season but never waterlogged. Water deeply at the base, avoiding wetting foliage. Reduce watering after flowering. In hot climates, maintain consistent moisture but ensure excellent drainage.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 120-150 days from bulb planting to first flowers

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Planting depth: 6-8 inches (measured to bottom of bulb; bulbs should be buried 3x their height)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content

pH: 6.0-6.8 (slightly acidic)

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Bone meal at planting

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-8, with some success in zone 3 with winter protection

3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

Dormancy & Planting

Variable, depends on planting season

Dormant bulbs are planted in fall (September-November) or early spring (February-March). Bulbs are papery-coated, lance-shaped, and creamy white with brownish scales.

Choose firm, disease-free bulbs. Plant in well-prepared soil with good drainage. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch for winter protection in colder zones.

Emergence & Early Growth

3-4 weeks

Shoots emerge through soil 3-4 weeks after planting (spring). Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves appear and quickly elongate. Stems grow rapidly during this phase.

Remove mulch gradually as shoots emerge. Monitor for slugs and snails. Ensure consistent moisture. Fertilize with balanced bulb fertilizer when shoots are 3-4 inches tall.

Vegetative Growth & Bud Development

4-6 weeks

Tall stems (3-5 feet) develop with lanceolate leaves along the length. Flower buds form at stem tips, initially tight and green, gradually swelling and showing color.

Stake tall cultivars for support in windy areas. Continue consistent watering. Apply balanced or high-phosphorus fertilizer every 2 weeks. Remove any diseased foliage immediately.

Blooming

2-4 weeks (blooms progress over time)

Large, 6-8 inch flowers open in sequence along the upper stem. Mona Lisa blooms are deep pink to magenta with white-edged petals, yellow-tipped stamens, and strong fragrance. Peak blooming typically occurs in mid to late summer.

Remove stamens if keeping indoors to reduce pollen staining. Deadhead spent flowers but leave stems intact to support the bulb. Provide stakes if needed. Water at soil level only.

Post-Bloom & Dormancy Preparation

4-6 weeks

Flowers fade and drop. Stems begin to yellow and senesce. The plant gradually enters dormancy, with foliage dying back naturally.

Do NOT cut back stems immediately—allow foliage to die back naturally for 4-6 weeks to allow bulbs to recharge. Reduce watering gradually. Stop fertilizing. Mark bulb location to avoid digging them up.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Daylily Lavender Russian sage Black-eyed Susan Salvia Catmint Ornamental grasses Blanket flower

Avoid planting near:

Fennel (inhibits growth of nearby plants) Plants requiring extremely wet conditions Dense shade competitors

Common Pests

Hand-pick beetles and larvae daily. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Plant reflective barriers. Introduce parasitoid wasps.
and
Remove debris and shelter. Set beer traps. Use copper tape around planters. Apply organic slug pellets or diatomaceous earth.
Spray with strong water jet. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Increase humidity by misting. Spray with water or miticide. Remove heavily infested foliage.
Ensure excellent air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Remove infected foliage. Apply fungicide in humid conditions.

Uses

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Edible Petals

Culinary

Oriental lily petals are sometimes used as garnish in upscale cuisine and can add floral notes to salads. However, many people consider lilies primarily ornamental and prefer to enjoy them visually. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Mona Lisa lilies are highly prized florist flowers due to their large size, vibrant color, and intense fragrance. A few stems fill a room with perfume and make stunning centerpieces for weddings and special occasions. [source]

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Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

Lily bulbs have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to address respiratory issues and sleep disorders. The genus Lilium contains compounds studied for anti-inflammatory properties, though evidence is limited. [source]

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Fragrance & Perfumery

Craft

Oriental lilies, especially Mona Lisa, are a primary source of lily fragrance used in high-end perfumes and colognes. The characteristic heavy, sweet scent is prized by fragrance industry. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Lilies attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with their abundant pollen and nectar. The prominent stamens and open structure make them accessible to a variety of beneficial insects. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers for arrangements in early morning when buds are opening or fully open. Use sharp, clean scissors or florist knife. Cut stems at an angle and immediately place in cool water with floral preservative. For cut flowers, remove lower leaves and stamens to prevent pollen staining and extend vase life (7-14 days). For garden display, deadhead spent flowers while leaving stems to support bulb regeneration.

Fun Facts

🌱 Mona Lisa is an Oriental hybrid lily created by crossing species from East Asia, combining vigor and disease resistance with spectacular large flowers.
🌱 A single mature Mona Lisa bulb can produce 6-10 flowers per season, and some cultivars may form daughter bulbs that create more blooming plants the following year.
🌱 The intense fragrance of Oriental lilies like Mona Lisa is strongest in the evening and at night, which is an evolutionary adaptation to attract night-flying pollinators in their native habitats.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch Partial Shade Perennial pH

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