Lilies in the Garden - Caring for these Famous Flowers
For high drama and romance all summer long, the genus Lilium is a must
- Botanical name: Lilium
- Zones: 5-8
- Bloom time: Summer
- Site: Full sun, well-draining soil
- Type: Bulb
- Characteristics: Good cut flowers
- Warning: Toxic to cats and dogs
Lilies, one of the most beloved bulbs for the summer garden, burst in with kaboom blossoms at an interlude when most flowers are in a holding pattern. Offering “swoony” scents, strong stems and substantial petals, lilies are also workhorses as cut flowers.
GROWING LILIES
How to Plant Lilies:
Lily bulbs can be planted in spring, but getting them into the ground in autumn gives them a head start. Because they are stem rooters and the bulb often anchors a heavy blossom load, it’s critical to sink it at least 8 to 10 inches from top of bulb to top of soil. In regions where temperatures skyrocket above 90 degrees F on a daily basis, sink the bulbs an extra 4 inches or so deeper.
Planting tips:
- Plant lilies in a berm or raised bed to ensure proper drainage
- Lilies look best when planted in clusters of three or more bulbs
- In areas of high rainfall, plant lily bulbs on their side to prevent rotting
- If you have naturally acidic soil, add some garden lime to the planting hole
For more information about planting and storing bulbs, see Bulbs 101
Lily Care:
Take precautions against voles and other pests, especially in winter. And deer chomp the stems. Insects are also a peril. In earliest spring, when lilies first emerge, begin lily beetle patrol. They’re bright red and easy to spot. Simply remove them before they reproduce and wreak havoc.
Stake your lilies before the blossoms begin to weigh down the stems, making sure not to impale the bulb.
Don’t hesitate to cut your lilies for bouquets—but remove only 1/3 of the stem. Lilies use their foliage to replenish the bulbs for next year’s blooms. When cutting lilies, remove the anthers before bringing them indoors, as they can stain clothing and tablecloths.
We call many different plants lilies, however only those in the genus Lilium are true lilies. Calla lilies, daylilies, canna lilies and spider lilies are not true lilies and have key differences that are important for gardening success. True lilies are unique in that they produce a single flower stalk from a bulb, encircled by leaves and supporting multiple flowers.
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)
- Zones 8-10
- Full sun to partial shade
- Bulb
- Blooms in summer and fall
- Good cut flower
Daylily (Hemerocallis)
- Zones 3-9
- Full sun
- Perennial
- Blooms in summer
- Not good for cutting - flowers only last 24 hours
Canna Lily (Canna)
- Zones 7-10
- Full sun
- Perennial
- Blooms in late summer and fall
- Not good for cutting, wilts quickly
Spider Lily (Lycoris)
- Zones 6-10
- Part sun/part shade
- Bulb
- Blooms in fall
- Good cut flower
Zones:
Zones 5 to 8 are ideal for most lilies. Some are hardier, such as L. canadense and L. cernuum, which will tolerate the chill of Zone 3, but often not the heat in regions hotter than Zone 6 or 7. Easter lily, L. longiflorum, prefers Zones 7 to 9.
Exposure:
Lilies love full sun, and six hours or more is imperative. Lilies like to have their "head in the sun, feet in the shade." To keep their roots cool, plant them with low-growing annuals, perennials, or grasses.
Soil:
Most lilies like a soil that’s rich but not overly beefy, though the Orienpet lilies are not fussy about food and tolerate a leaner diet. Drainage is the critical issue. Given their druthers, lilies would like to be planted in a berm or raised bed so water drains away from the bulbs. A pH of 5.5 to 6.5 suits them best.
POPULAR TYPES OF LILIES
Not only have the hybridizers achieved upturned flowers (for shipability) to tingle the heart (and purse) strings of florists, but they’ve increased the color palette, bloom stint, stature and ease of cultivation for the gardening crowd. And a stronger plant translates into fewer chemicals, more lilies and a better world.
When do lilies bloom?
You can have lilies blooming in your garden all summer long by growing several different varieties:
- Asiatic lilies bloom in early summer
- Trumpet lilies bloom in midsummer
- Oriental lilies bloom mid- to late summer
- Oriental Trumpet (Orienpet) hybrid lilies bloom in late summer
What is the difference between Asiatic and Oriental lilies?
Asiatics, which bloom in early summer, are best known for their exceptionally broad range of colors, as well as wild patterns, brush marks, speckles and double blooms. Orientals, which bloom in late summer, are best known for their large, heavily scented flowers.
Which lilies are most fragrant?
The most fragrant lilies are Orientals, Orienpets and Trumpets, while Asiatic lilies are unscented. Some gardeners describe Orientals as having a spicy scent, whereas Trumpets emit a sweet perfume, and Orienpets offer a pleasant, light aroma (good if you have a sensitive nose).
Which lilies grow in shade?
Lilies flower best in full sun, but many gardeners find that they will also tolerate some shade. Species lilies, those originally found in the wild, are a good choice for light shade. Martagon lilies can also handle more shade than other lily types.
Are lilies poisonous?
Many lilies are highly toxic to cats, causing acute kidney failure if eaten. All parts of the plant are poisonous and many veterinarians recommend never bringing them into a home with cats. Use caution with Easter lilies and opt for floral arrangements without lilies. See more Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats.
SOURCES FOR LILY BULBS
In addition to the nurseries listed below, check reputable local sources.
American Meadows | 877-309-7333 | americanmeadows.com |
B&D Lilies | 360-765-4341 | bdlilies.com |
Gurney’s Seed & Nursery Co. | 513-354-1492 | gurneys.com |
The Lily Garden | 360-253-6273 | thelilygarden.com |
Old House Gardens | 734-995-1486 | oldhousegardens.com |
Van Bourgondien | 800-552-9996 | dutchbulbs.com |
Veseys | 800-363-7333 | veseys.com |
Wayside Gardens | 800-845-1124 | waysidegardens.com |
We call many different plants lilies, however only those in the genus Lilium are true lilies. Calla lilies, daylilies, canna lilies and spider lilies are not true lilies and have key differences that are important for gardening success. True lilies are unique in that they produce a single flower stalk from a bulb, encircled by leaves and supporting multiple flowers.
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)
- Zones 8-10
- Full sun to partial shade
- Bulb
- Blooms in summer and fall
- Good cut flower
Daylily (Hemerocallis)
- Zones 3-9
- Full sun
- Perennial
- Blooms in summer
- Not good for cutting - flowers only last 24 hours
Canna Lily (Canna)
- Zones 7-10
- Full sun
- Perennial
- Blooms in late summer and fall
- Not good for cutting, wilts quickly
Spider Lily (Lycoris)
- Zones 6-10
- Part sun/part shade
- Bulb
- Blooms in fall
- Good cut flower
This article was adapted from its original version for use on the web.
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