Best Lilies For Pots and Containers

Oriental Hybrid Lilies

Known as the most flamboyant personalities within the world of lilies, they are characterized by their immense flowers, intense fragrance, and rich colors. Exotic-looking, these Oriental hybrids are derived from species native to Japan. Blooming over a long time, from mid to late summer and even into fall for some varieties, their flowers are usually large and open, outward facing, or pendant with striking patterns of spots. Most Oriental Lilies are in shades of white, pink, and red, some with pretty yellow bands on their petals.

Lilies Growing Tips

• Lilies can be planted in pots at any time between fall and early spring. Fall is often preferred
• The pots must always be sufficiently deep. A pot depth of 12-18 in. (30-45 cm) is ideal.
• 1 large bulb (4-5 in. or 10-12 cm) should be planted into a 8-9 in. diameter container (20-23 cm).
• 3 or 4 smaller bulbs (2-3 in. or 5-8 cm) should be planted into a 9-10 in. diameter container (23-25 cm). Allow 2 in. (5 cm) between the bulbs.
• Plant the bulbs with the pointed tip facing upwards at a depth equal to the height of the bulbs (basal-rooting bulbs) or 2.5 times the height of the bulbs (stem-rooting bulbs)
• To make sure that the soil remains moist over time, it is advisable to use ordinary packaged potting soil as a substrate. Mixing this soil with 25% clay can be beneficial.
• Remember that the pots will have to be watered frequently and that providing fertilizer (house plant variety) once in a while is not an unnecessary frill.
• Provide sufficient drainage in the pot.