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Lilies for Long Summer Blooms

Lilies, Species Lilies, Martagon Lilies, Asiatic Lilies, Trumpet Lilies, Oriental Lilies, Orienpet Lilies

Companion Plants for Lilies

Lilies rank high on the list of gardener’s favorites. Extremely showy and exotic-looking, lilies add drama to the landscape with their rich, bright colors, elegant and delicate shapes, and their heavenly scent! They enjoy different blooming seasons, from early summer to late summer and even into the fall, depending on the lily division they belong to. If you are a lily fan and want to enjoy their beauty and fragrance from early summer through fall, you must select lilies from different divisions. There are hundreds of Lily Species and thousands of hybrids. With this choice, how does one pick?

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Genus Lilium
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Lilies for Early - Mid Summer Blooms

Lilies for Mid Summer Blooms

Lilies for Late Summer Blooms

Planting Lilies

Planting lilies can be a rewarding experience, and here are some steps to guide you through the process:

Time of Planting: Lilies are best planted in the fall or early spring. If you’re planting bulbils (small, black bulb-like structures found in the leaf axils of some lilies), you can plant them in late summer when they are ripe.

Choose a Site: Lilies prefer a location with full sun or partial shade. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Lilies prefer a slightly acidic pH but can tolerate a wide range.

Prepare the Soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by removing weeds and other debris. You can amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage.

Plant the Bulbs: The general rule of thumb for planting depth is three times the height of the bulb. This can be around 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep for most lilies. Make sure the pointy end of the bulb is facing upwards. Space the bulbs about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart, depending on the mature size of the lily variety.

Watering: After planting, water the bulbs well to settle the soil around them. Continue to water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Mulching: To conserve moisture and suppress weeds, apply a layer of organic mulch around the lilies.

Fertilizing: Apply a 5-10-5 fertilizer in late spring to provide nutrients for the growing season.

Remember, some lilies, especially the Oriental types, may take a year or so to establish before they start to flower. Patience is key when growing lilies from bulbs. Be sure to keep an eye out for pests such as lily beetles, which can cause significant damage to the plants.

Great Companions for your Lilies

Garden Examples

A Lovely Duo for your Late Summer Garden: Japanese Anemones and Oriental Lilies
A Striking Summer Border with Tiger Lilies and Lobelia
A Pretty Duo with Clematis and Lilies
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Lilium (Lily)
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Genus Lilium
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
Compare All Lilium (Lily)
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Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Lilium (Lily)
Guides with
Lilium (Lily)

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