Trumpet lily (Lilium 'Golden Sunburst')
Majestic Lilium 'Golden Sunburst' is a showy, fragrant Trumpet lily growing 4-6 ft. Ideal for full sun areas in USDA Zones 4-8.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ is a spectacular hybrid trumpet lily prized for its towering stature and vivid coloration, making it a centerpiece in any summer garden. This specific variety, commonly known as the Trumpet lily, showcases flared, golden-yellow flowers boldly laced with contrasting green veins. As a Division 6 hybrid, Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ combines robust growth habits with intensely fragrant summer blooms.
These herbaceous perennials emerge from bulbs, establishing themselves as reliable vertical accents reaching heights between 4 and 6 feet under ideal conditions. Gardeners appreciate the easy-to-manage nature of this plant, provided its basic soil and moisture requirements are met accurately. Planting Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ strategically ensures its showy presence elevates perennial borders during mid-summer.
Beyond its visual appeal, the intense fragrance of the flowers makes this plant excellent for placement near patios or outdoor seating areas. Enjoying full sun allows for the best flowering, but it tolerates light afternoon shade, offering flexibility in placement while maintaining its vibrant hue and strong architecture.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Liliaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-6 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: July
- Bloom Description: Golden tellow with green veins
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ bulbs is best achieved in the fall, or in very early spring, placing them 4 to 6 inches deep in the ground. These lilies thrive in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil, though they particularly appreciate soil rich in organic matter. Aim for a location where the upper portion of the plant receives full sun, while the root zone benefits from cooling shade; mulching heavily is highly recommended to achieve this temperature moderation.
Watering should be consistent; bulbs require good, even moisture year-round, but vigilance against overly wet conditions is necessary to prevent damaging bulb rot. Grow these magnificent Trumpet lily specimens in groups of three, spaced about 12 inches apart, for the most impactful visual display. Taller stalks may require staking, especially if grown in excessive shade or exposed to high winds.
Maintenance is relatively straightforward. Deadhead faded flowers promptly to prevent seed development, which diverts energy from the bulb. Do not cut back the foliage after blooming concludes. Wait until the leaves and stems naturally turn yellow and die back before removing the old growth for the winter.
Landscape Uses
The striking height and intense golden color of Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ make it an indispensable element for creating vertical drama in the summer garden. Plant these trumpet lilies along the middle or back of perennial borders where their height can be effectively utilized without overshadowing smaller neighbors. Grouping them ensures a substantial burst of color and fragrance that draws the eye across the landscape.
These lilies also transition well into container gardening. While flowers may be slightly smaller in pots, growing Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ in large containers allows gardeners in areas with unsuitable native soil, or those needing mobility, to enjoy their splendor. They pair beautifully with deep purple or cool blue bloomers, like Salvias or perennial Geraniums, whose colors contrast sharply with the bright yellow Trumpet lily flowers.
Their exceptional quality as a cutting flower means you should strategically plant Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ near outdoor gathering spots, such as patios or decks, to easily harvest their long-lasting, fragrant blooms for indoor arrangements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lilium is a genus of about 100 species of bulbous, herbaceous perennials native to Europe, North America and Asia south to the Philippines. Lilies typically feature 6-tepaled flowers in a variety of shapes (trumpet, funnel, cup, bell, bowl or flat), sometimes nodding, sometimes with reflexed petals, atop stiff, unbranched stems (1-8’ tall) clothed with linear to elliptic leaves. Flowers are often fragrant and come in a broad range of colors except blue. For classification purposes, the Royal Horticultural Society and North American Lily Society have organized hybrid lilies into eight divisions based primarily upon parentage, habit and flower type.Genus name comes from the Latin name meaning lily.‘Golden Sunburst’ features flared, trumpet-shaped, golden yellow flowers with green veins. It is a Division 6 (trumpet/Aurelian hybrid) lily that typically grows 4-6’ tall, but sometimes to as much as 9’ tall once well-established. Petals are recurved. Flowers are fragrant. Flowers bloom in mid summer. Long-lasting fresh cut flower.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Lily leaf beetles pose a significant threat, causing severe defoliation if left unchecked in infested areas. Inspect plants regularly for the bright red beetles and manage them promptly, perhaps through manual removal or targeted low-impact treatments. Several fungal issues may arise, notably bulb rot in poorly drained or overly wet soils; ensure excellent drainage to mitigate this risk. Lily mosaic virus is another concern; immediate aphid control is mandatory because aphids spread this incurable disease.
Staking may be necessary for Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ stems if they receive insufficient light or if exposed to strong prevailing winds, which can cause breakage. Proactive soil management and diligent early monitoring are the keys to keeping this Trumpet lily healthy throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Trumpet lily suitable for?
This beautiful Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8, offering a good range for many temperate gardeners.
How large does Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ grow?
This lily typically reaches a mature height between 4 and 6 feet, spreading modestly between 1 and 2 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ need?
For optimal flowering and stem strength, Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ prefers a location receiving full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade.
When does Trumpet lily bloom?
You can anticipate the magnificent golden blooms of the Trumpet lily to appear in July, offering golden yellow flowers with striking green veins.
Conclusion
The Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ delivers unmatched summer stature and powerful fragrance, establishing itself as a premier choice among hybrid lilies. Incorporating this showy Trumpet lily into your landscape provides reliable height and brilliant color contrast. Before planting, confirm that your garden site falls within USDA Zones 4-8 and ensure soil drainage is absolutely perfect to support this magnificent bloom year after year.
Companion Planting
Choosing the right companions ensures Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ thrives without competition or aesthetic clash during its active growth period. Since lilies prefer cool root zones, excellent companions are low-growing perennials that naturally fulfill this requirement. Consider planting groundcovers like Creeping Thyme or low-growing Geraniums around the base of the lilies where the sun hits the soil surface.
For color coordination, consider plants that bloom before or after the July bloom time of this Trumpet lily. Blue or purple cultivars of Nepeta (Catmint) or dark-leaved Heucheras provide a sophisticated backdrop that allows the bright golden hues of the Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’ to truly pop forward. Ensure companions are not aggressive self-seeders, as lilies dislike root disturbance.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation is key for a successful summer show. As early as possible, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer around the base of the emerging shoots, avoiding contact with the leaves. Maintain that layer of mulch to keep the soil cool and moist during the initial rapid growth phase.
Summer care centers on moisture management and aesthetics. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry slightly between drinks, unless conditions are extremely hot and dry. Deadhead spent flowers promptly in July to refocus the plant’s energy back into bulb development rather than seed production.
As autumn approaches, resist the urge to tidy up. Allow the foliage of this perennial bulb to fully mature and yellow naturally, which signals the bulb is storing energy for next year’s spectacular display of Lilium ‘Golden Sunburst’. Cut stems back only after all leaf tissue has completely browned late in the season.
