Lilium - Oriental Lily Rio Negro
Best fragrant perennial for gardeners seeking dramatic, high-impact summer color.
Transform your garden with the Lilium - Oriental Lily Rio Negro. This stunning lily features dramatic scarlet red blooms accented with deep purple and a captivating, sweet fragrance. Its ruffled petals, edged in gleaming white, create a breathtaking display. Ideal for both garden beds and containers, the Rio Negro reliably blooms mid to late summer. Each set includes three high-quality bulbs, backed by a 100% Grow Guarantee when planting instructions are followed. Enjoy a beautiful floral addition to your landscape.
$9.07
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 3088
#16 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-62%
Below average
USDA Hardiness Zones
59
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a bold, high-contrast focal point
- Fragrance lovers wanting aromatic indoor and outdoor displays
- Landscapers needing late-season color after other blooms fade
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners wanting to avoid extra structural support
- Busy growers unable to monitor for common garden pests
- Cat owners needing to keep their homes pet-safe
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Dramatic scarlet petals and white margins create a high-contrast garden focal point.
Fragrance Intensity
Potent, sweet scent profile fills outdoor spaces with ease.
Versatility
Adapts perfectly to both container gardening and traditional landscape beds.
Cut Flower Longevity
Sturdy stems and vibrant blooms make these ideal for indoor arrangements.
Hardiness Range
Reliable perennial performance across a broad spectrum of climate zones.
Ease of Establishment
Straightforward planting requirements supported by a robust growth guarantee.
Key Specs
USDA Hardiness Zones
5-9
Mature Height
42-54 inches
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Flower Type
Lily
Sun Exposure
Full Sun to Partial Sun
Bloom Season
Late Summer
Planting Season
Fall or Spring
Fragrance Level
Highly Fragrant
Features
- Striking scarlet red blooms with dark purple accents
- Intoxicatingly sweet and highly fragrant aroma
- Blooms reliably mid to late summer
- Ideal for garden beds and containers
- Ruffled petals with gleaming white margins
- Hardy across multiple growing zones
- Excellent for cut flower arrangements
- Perennial plant life cycle
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the 'Rio Negro' Oriental Lily for its exceptional quality and stunning visual impact. The deep crimson burgundy blooms frequently surpass expectations, offering a dramatic, luxurious presence. A major highlight is the powerful, characteristic fragrance that transforms garden spaces. Reviewers consistently receive healthy, robust bulbs that demonstrate excellent viability, establishing themselves reliably. The primary driver of satisfaction is the reliable color fidelity and the impressive size of the mature flowers. Gardeners view this lily as a premium, high-value addition, highly recommending it for its dependable beauty and intoxicating scent, confirming its status as a top-tier offering.
Know before you buy
Yes, these lilies are well-suited for containers. Ensure your pot is at least 12-14 inches deep to accommodate the root system and provides excellent drainage to prevent bulb rot.
After the flowers fade, remove the spent blooms to prevent seed formation, but leave the foliage intact. Allow the leaves to yellow and die back naturally, as this process helps the bulb store energy for next year's growth.
Absolutely. Their long, sturdy stems and high fragrance make them an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. For the longest vase life, cut the stems when the buds are just beginning to show color.
The Rio Negro is hardy in USDA zones 5-9, meaning it can typically survive the winter in the ground within these ranges. If you live in a zone colder than 5, you should lift the bulbs in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.
These lilies thrive in full sun to partial sun. For the best results, aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight, though they appreciate a bit of afternoon shade in particularly hot climates.
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$9