I can’t deny my obsession with Orienpet lilies, but I still have a soft spot for the good old-fashioned Oriental lilies. One of my favorites is ‘Tessala’.
The flowers are a deep pink with a hint of fluorescent violet trying to peek out. I adore lilies with freckles, so it’s an added bonus that ‘Tessala’ is loaded with little dark-red spots.
One of the best features of Orienpet lilies is that they are sturdier than Oriental lilies and come back stronger each year—taller and with more blooms. ‘Tessala’ holds its own with the Orienpets. In fact I didn’t realize it was a true Oriental lily and not an Orienpet lily until after its second year in my garden.
Just a few Oriental lilies can fill an entire backyard with their heavenly fragrance and ‘Tessala’ is no exception.
‘Tessala’ grows 3 to 4 feet tall and blooms in late July and early August. The flowers blend beautifully in a cottage garden, and they look lovely with other white and pink Orienpet and Oriental lilies.