Tarrango Oriental Lily

‘Tarrango’ Oriental Lily – Care Guide

Overview

The ‘Tarrango’ Lily is a stunning Oriental hybrid lily with deep raspberry-pink to burgundy petals, dramatically edged in white and accented with dark spots. Its large, fragrant, star-shaped blooms make it a favorite for cut flower gardens and mid-summer borders. Like other Oriental lilies, it thrives in cooler climates and offers strong stems with upward-facing flowers.

Key Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Lilium (Oriental hybrid) ‘Tarrango’
• Common Name: Tarrango Lily
• Plant Type: Bulbous Perennial
• Hardiness Zones: 3–8
• Height: 36–48 inches (90–120 cm)
• Spread: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm)
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (typically late July to August in Zone 3)
• Flower Color: Rich deep pink to burgundy with white edges and speckled centers
• Fragrance: Strong, sweet Oriental lily fragrance
• Foliage: Glossy, lance-shaped green leaves

Sun Requirements

• Grows best in full sun to light shade
• Needs at least 6 hours of sun per day
• A bit of afternoon shade is helpful in very hot regions

Soil Needs

• Requires well-drained, fertile soil
• Amend with compost before planting to improve drainage and nutrition
• Avoid heavy or waterlogged soils
• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–6.8)

Watering Needs

• Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy
• Water at the base to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers
• Reduce watering once the blooming period ends and foliage begins to yellow

Planting & Spacing

• Plant bulbs in fall (late September in Zone 3) or early spring if container-grown
• Depth: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) deep
• Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
• Apply a winter mulch (straw or leaves) in late fall to protect from freeze-thaw cycles in Zone 3

Maintenance

• Deadhead spent flowers to tidy the plant and encourage bulb strength
• Leave stems and leaves intact until they yellow in late summer — they help recharge the bulb
• Cut back to the ground in fall once the foliage has died
• Stake if needed — especially in windy areas or when planted in groups

Fertilizing

• Feed with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring as shoots emerge
• Side-dress with compost or a bloom booster (low nitrogen) mid-season
• Avoid overfeeding — especially nitrogen, which can reduce flowering

Pests & Diseases

• Monitor for:
  • Red lily beetle – hand-pick or treat early
  • Aphids
  • Botrytis blight – prevent with good air circulation and watering at the soil level
• Overall, fairly trouble-free with proper care

Wildlife & Companion Benefits

• Pollinator-friendly – bees and butterflies are attracted to blooms
• Strongly scented – a good choice for fragrance gardens
• Deer and rabbit resistant
• Best planted with:
  • Purple coneflowers
  • Salvia
  • Ornamental grasses
  • Other Oriental or Asiatic lilies

Garden Uses

• Mid to back border plantings
• Fragrant cut flower gardens
• Mixed summer beds
• Containers (deep enough for full root development)
• Beautiful in bouquets — long-lasting and pollen isn't too messy

Special Notes

• ‘Tarrango’ is prized for its color contrast and large blooms — great in mass plantings or as a focal point
• Looks especially vibrant when planted in groups of 3–5 bulbs
• Hardy and reliable in Zone 3 with winter protection and good drainage