Nothing kills the mood of a well-planned garden bed faster than a batch of bulbs that arrive mushy, fail to sprout, or deliver a single season of color before vanishing. The Forever Susan Lily, with its dramatic orange-plum petals and dark center, promises a mid-summer spectacle that keeps coming back — but only if you start with stock that’s been handled correctly from the moment it left the grower.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years comparing bulb supplier quality, analyzing customer growth reports across multiple seasons, and studying the specific shipping and handling practices that determine whether your bulbs bloom strong or rot in the ground.
After sorting through thousands of verified owner accounts, I’ve narrowed the field to the five bulb packages that deliver reliable results. This guide breaks down the best forever susan lilies and gives you the practical knowledge to keep them thriving for years.
How To Choose The Best Forever Susan Lilies
Buying lily bulbs online is a gamble if you don’t know what separates a lively bulb from a dud. Unlike potted plants, bulbs arrive dormant, and their true condition is often hidden until weeks after planting. Focus on these factors to stack the odds in your favor.
Bulb Firmness and Root Health
A viable Forever Susan bulb should feel solid in your hand — no squishiness, no soft spots. The base should show multiple thick, wiry roots still attached, not a dry stump. Bulbs that arrive with active green shoots (a “sprouted” condition) signal freshness and proper cold storage. Avoid any package where bulbs are loose in the bag with loose dirt or dust; that’s a sign the roots have been broken off during handling.
Hardiness Zone and Overwintering
Forever Susan is an Asiatic lily type, reliably hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. If you live in zone 3 or 4, you must mulch heavily after the ground freezes to insulate the bulbs from heaving during freeze-thaw cycles. In warmer zones (8 and above), afternoon shade prevents the blooms from scorching. Sellers that only guarantee delivery to “zone 3” without mentioning winter mulching are often selling generic bulbs not optimized for cold-climate survival.
Number of Bulbs vs. True Value
A pack of 10 bulbs is only a deal if 9 or 10 actually grow and multiply. Check verified reviews for phrases like “all sprouted” versus “two of three grew.” The best indicator is the second-year photo — bulbs that naturalize (produce offsets) will double your display over two seasons. Packages priced at the entry level often use smaller bulb circumference (12/14 cm), which may bloom the first year but produce fewer offsets than larger 14/16 cm bulbs.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votaniki Forever Susan (1 Pack) | Single | Exact Forever Susan genetics | Orange-plum, dark eye | Amazon |
| Willard & May Mixed Oriental Lily (8 Pack) | Mix | Fragrance variety | 14/16 cm bulb size | Amazon |
| Willard & May Asiatic Lily Mix (10 Pack) | Mix | Fast color display | 10 bulbs, zone 3 | Amazon |
| Willard & May Stargazer Oriental (12 Pack) | Oriental | Large perennial clumps | 12 bulbs, organic | Amazon |
| Daylily Nursery Stargazer Oriental (10 Pack) | Oriental | Proven multi-season stock | 15-20 cm bulbs | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Votaniki Forever Susan Lily Bulbs (1 Pack)
This is the only product in this roundup that ships under the exact Forever Susan name — a specific Asiatic hybrid known for its orange-plum petals and sharply defined dark burgundy eye. Votaniki provides detailed planting instructions (6-inch depth, 8-inch wide hole, compost layer) that are genuinely useful for first-time lily growers. The bulbs come in a single pack, which makes this a focused purchase for someone who wants the exact color break rather than a mixed bag.
Owner reports show roughly 75 days from planting to bloom in Tennessee conditions, aligning with the advertised mid-to-late-summer window. The fragrance is described as sweet and spicy — strong enough to attract hummingbirds and butterflies but not overpowering on a patio. The package is simple: one bulb, well-packed, delivered on time. A number of reviewers mention that the bulbs returned for a second season, confirming the perennial claim.
The biggest risk is the single-unit format. If that one bulb is a dud (and a few reviews report zero growth), you lose the whole season. The overall germination rate is strong, but the sample size of one leaves no margin for error. For gardeners willing to buy two or three packs to create a clump, the payoff is a true-to-type Forever Susan that matches the catalog photos exactly — no color surprises.
What works
- Accurate orange-plum coloration with dark eye
- Detailed planting instructions included
- Attracts pollinators reliably
What doesn’t
- Single bulb per pack increases risk of total loss
- Some bulbs produced foliage but no flowers
2. Willard & May Mixed Oriental Lily Bulbs (8 Pack)
While not a pure Forever Susan variety, this mixed oriental pack is a strong contender for anyone who values fragrance above precise color matching. The 14/16 cm bulb size is larger than the entry-level 12/14 cm standard, which translates to more stored energy for first-year blooms and stronger perennial offsets. Willard & May has been a reliable mass-market supplier for years, and their bulbs arrive with visible shoot tips already pushing through the neck — a sign of proper cold chain handling.
Owner reports from the third season show these bulbs multiply and produce more flower stems per clump, with a “heavenly scent” that fills a garden bed. The hardiness range (zones 3-9) covers nearly all of the continental US, and the package recommends spring planting for best results. Several reviews note that bulbs arrived with double shoots, meaning you get more stems than the advertised count suggests.
The tradeoff is that you won’t know the exact bloom colors until they open. Oriental mixes often include pink, white, and rose shades, none of which match the Forever Susan’s distinctive dark center. If specific genetics matter, this mix is a detour. But if you want a fragrant, fast-multiplying bed with zero fuss, this pack delivers consistent results year after year.
What works
- Large 14/16 cm bulb size for vigorous growth
- Strong fragrance that improves each season
- Reliable germination across multiple zones
What doesn’t
- Mixed colors — no guarantee of dark-center blooms
- Some bulbs may not produce flowers in first year
3. Willard & May Asiatic Lily Mix (10 Pack)
Asiatic lilies are the closest botanical cousins to the Forever Susan, and this 10-bulb mix offers the cheapest per-bulb cost in this lineup. The bulbs are described as “naturalizing,” which means they produce underground offsets that spread into larger clumps over successive seasons. Multiple verified owners report that all 10 bulbs sprouted within a month of planting, with bloom times landing in early to mid-June for a roughly two-week display.
The bloom colors in this mix are vibrant — fluorescent orange, deep orange with yellow centers, and red with yellow centers — but they are not the plum-and-dark-eye combination of a true Forever Susan. One reviewer noted that all 10 blooms turned out orange despite the “mixed color” claim, so color variation is inconsistent. The stems reached 18 to 24 inches in well-drained soil with partial sun exposure, making them suitable for middle-border planting.
A recurring concern in owner feedback is that these bulbs performed as annuals rather than true perennials. Several gardeners reported that after the first bloom, the plants died back completely and never re-emerged the following spring. This makes the mix an excellent choice for a single-season color splash at a low entry cost, but a risky bet if you’re counting on a permanent bed. Deer also find them highly palatable, so protective spray or fencing is necessary.
What works
- Lowest per-bulb cost in the roundup
- Fast sprouting — visible growth within a month
- Brilliant colors for a summer display
What doesn’t
- Not reliably perennial for some growers
- Color mix may be skewed toward orange
- Highly attractive to deer
4. Willard & May Stargazer Oriental Lily (12 Pack)
Stargazer is the gold standard for oriental lilies — huge blooms, intense fragrance, and a 100% grow guarantee from Willard & May. This 12-bulb pack delivers a high bulb count with an “organic” material designation, and the bulbs arrive plump with long roots and, in many cases, 1-inch sprouts already emerging. Owners in Texas heat zones report 100% germination with no rot, while northern growers see the same strong performance in sandy, well-drained soil.
These are not Forever Susan bulbs; the blooms are pink with white edges and deep red freckles rather than orange-plum. But the extended bloom time characteristic of Stargazer makes this a strong companion plant if you’re building a lily bed that flowers from mid-summer into early fall. The “100% Grow Guarantee” is a meaningful safety net — if bulbs fail, the seller replaces them, which reduces the financial risk of a large pack.
The biggest downside reported by owners is color inconsistency. Several buyers received white blooms instead of the pink-and-red advertised, which suggests minor cross-variety mixing in the supply chain. Deer pressure is also severe; one owner lost a bulb and all buds to browsing. Despite these caveats, the germination rate and bulb quality are consistently rated higher than most competitors, making this a top-tier choice for a large, fragrant oriental display.
What works
- 12 plump bulbs with strong root systems
- 100% grow guarantee for peace of mind
- Excellent germination even in hot climates
What doesn’t
- Bloom color may differ from product photos
- Very attractive to deer and rabbits
5. Daylily Nursery Stargazer Oriental Lily (10 Pack)
Daylily Nursery’s Stargazer pack stands out for bulb size — the 15-20 cm circumference is the largest in this collection, which means the bulbs arrive with extensive root systems already developed. Multiple reviewers describe these as “the best looking bulbs of any kind that I have ever purchased” and note that every single bulb had robust roots. The seller ships them lightly packed in fluffy soil rather than loose in a bag, which protects the roots during transit.
The 30-day support window is a practical advantage: if bulbs fail within the first month, Daylily Nursery offers troubleshooting guidance and a one-time replacement (buyer pays shipping). For a 10-bulb pack at a mid-range price point, this policy is better than most competitors’ take-it-or-leave-it approach. Growers at 7,500 feet in Colorado report that all 10 bulbs sprouted after late-spring planting and survived hail, snow, and heat — a testament to the stock’s resilience.
These are strictly oriental Stargazer genetics, not Forever Susan, so the blooms are hot pink with red centers edged in white. The plants need staking in their first year because the stalks can be spindly under heavy flower loads. After the fourth season, owners report stronger stalks that don’t need support. The one catch is the 5-day guarantee window for initial viability — check bulbs immediately upon arrival or risk losing coverage.
What works
- Largest bulb size (15-20 cm) in the roundup
- Extensive root systems for strong first-year establishment
- Proven multi-season performance in extreme climates
What doesn’t
- 5-day guarantee window is tight for shipping delays
- First-year stalks may require staking
Hardware & Specs Guide
Bulb Circumference (cm)
Lily bulbs are graded by circumference. The smallest viable bulbs for retail are 12/14 cm; 14/16 cm is the standard for reliable first-year blooms, and 15/20 cm bulbs (like those from Daylily Nursery) produce the strongest root systems and the most offsets for naturalizing. Avoid bulbs smaller than 12 cm unless you’re willing to wait two seasons for flowers.
Soil Drainage and pH
Asiatic and oriental lilies need sharp drainage. Sandy loam with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal. Heavy clay traps moisture around the bulb scales, leading to rot. If your soil holds water after rain, grow lilies in raised beds or containers with a coarse potting mix amended with perlite. A 2-inch layer of gravel under the bulb helps in dense soils.
FAQ
Are Forever Susan Lilies true perennials that return every year?
How deep should I plant Forever Susan lily bulbs?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the forever susan lilies winner is the Votaniki Forever Susan (1 Pack) because it delivers the exact genetics — orange-plum petals and a dark burgundy eye — that made this hybrid famous. If you want a large, fragrant display that naturalizes quickly, grab the Willard & May Stargazer Oriental Lily (12 Pack). And for a budget-friendly seasonal color splash, nothing beats the Willard & May Asiatic Lily Mix (10 Pack).