Lilium Oriental 'Kaveri' is a hybrid lily celebrated for its large, sunset colored blooms blending gold, orange, and deep red tones. Its fragrant, outward facing flowers appear in midsummer and are supported by tall, sturdy stems ideal for cutting. 'Kaveri' brings a tropical flair to perennial beds, mixed borders, and formal plantings while performing reliably in well drained soil with full sun to part shade exposure.
Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Well drained, moderately fertile soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil during growth
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant but may need protection in high pressure areas
Native Status
'Kaveri' is a cultivated hybrid of Oriental lilies, which originate from Asia. Though not native to North America, it thrives in temperate garden settings and contributes exotic color and fragrance to perennial compositions.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- The bold, trumpet shaped blooms provide pollen to large bees like bumblebees and carpenter bees during summer.
Butterflies
- Draws swallowtails and painted ladies, which favor large, fragrant flowers in sunny, open sites.
Birds
- Spent seed heads may be visited by goldfinches in late summer if left standing.
Beneficial Insects
- Fragrant flowers and open structure attract hoverflies and beetles that prey on soft bodied pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow upright growth and air circulation while forming small clumps.
Landscape Placement:
- Use in cutting gardens, mid border locations, or as vertical accents in formal designs. Pairs well with grasses and perennials that buffer the base while highlighting its vivid flower display.
Companion Plants
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Airy lavender spikes provide a soft backdrop and contrast beautifully with the lily’s saturated tones.
- Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunray' - Golden daisy like blooms mirror the warm yellow tones of the lily while filling the lower canopy with color.
- Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline' - Bright red flowers and aromatic foliage attract pollinators and create a bold color echo with Kaveri’s fiery hues.
- Achillea millefolium 'Paprika' - Red tinted yarrow flowers blend with the lily’s palette and offer extended bloom into late summer.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Deep violet flower spikes provide a cooling vertical counterpoint and attract summer pollinators.